Henschke, Eden Valley (Australia) Shiraz 2016

 The aromas and flavors of rich black cherry, plum, fruit mingling notes of black pepper and sandalwood are intense and concentrated, wrapped in a linear structure of vivid acidity and dusty tannins.  It is drinking well now, and the beautiful balance of ripe fruit and elegant structure will ensure a long life.  It is from a vineyard of Syrah grapes that was planted in 1912 in Eden Valley in South Australia.  Like the Hill of Grace Vineyard also owned by the Henschke family, the vines were planted on their own roots, rather than grafted onto native American rootstock to protect the vines from a phylloxera, a root louse that can destroy the vines.