2012 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz

First produced in 1952, the 2012 vintage marks the 60th release of this iconic wine. Planted in 1912 the Mount Edelstone vineyard now boasts vines more than 100 years old. Maturation took place in a combination of 87% French and 13% American (32% new, 68% seasoned) hogsheads for a period of 18 months.

From an exceptional vintage there’s no doubt that the 2012 Mount Edelstone will be heralded as one of the greatest produced to date.

Opaque black dark purple colour with a dark purple hue. Intense aromas of ripe blackberries and dark plums are to the fore with more subtle liquorice and dark chocolate nuances following finishing with a whiff of vanillin cedar and spice. Brimming with rich ripe fruit the palate is an essay in finesse and refinement featuring soft supplely textured flavours of blackberries, liquorice and dark plums gracefully gliding across the palate over subtlety smoked vanillin cedar, light meatiness and spice. Silky smooth tannins. Outstanding depth with a long aftertaste of dark plums, blackberries, liquorice, delicate smoky vanillin cedar, dried meats and spice.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Vivid, deep purple-crimson; this is a blue-blood aristocratic shiraz, certain in its supreme power, length and balance, and not going out to prove anything. If anyone doubts its quality now, the scales will fall from their eyes over the decades ahead, as it will be recognised by all and sundry as one of the greatest Mount Edelstones. Drink by 2062.
98 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion