1998 Henschke Lenswood Giles Pinot Noir

Notes sourced from Henschke.

Stephen and Prue Henschke, fifth generation winemakers at Keyneton, chose Lenswood to pioneer a new vineyard site, just 50km from their ancient Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace vineyards. At 550 metres, the Lenswood vineyard slopes not only offer beautiful views over the older vine country, but also higher rainfall and humidity at the right time of year, cooler temperatures to retain natural acidity, and still enough sunshine to fully ripen the grapes.

Vintage conditions were generally very good with the preceding winter unusually dry, with frosty nights and clear days. The rain instead came in spring, and the luxuriantly growing vines benefited from the 'green house' effect. The indicators were of a hot dry summer, although only a serious burst of heat was experienced in mid January and again at the end of February, otherwise it was mild, which had a significant delaying often on the ripening process. An early onset of autumn caused a late harvest, with average yields, good to exceptional quality and intense flavour in the grapes.

This wine has been named after Charles Giles, an early pioneer who purchased the property in 1864 and whose descendants managed it as an apple orchard until 1901.Bright crimson ruby in colour. Sweet ripe spicy wild cherry, raspberry an plum aromas with nuances of cloves, rhubarb and cream and underlying sappy gamey notes The palate is rich and soft, with sweet fruit, silky tannins and an excellent long finish. Cellar for 3-4 years.