2001 Henschke Johann's Garden Bush Vine Grenache Mourvedre Shiraz

Notes sourced from Henschke

Made from 50% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 15% Shiraz grapes from selected vineyards growing in the Barossa Valley. Named as a tribute to the early Barossa Lutheran pioneers, many of whom carried the name Johann as their first name. Their toil, perseverance and conservatism in hardship have meant that the many generations that followed rejoiced in the riches of their prudent efforts. The Grenache is just one of those blessings and has been appropriately named after Johann Alfred Zobel, whose 65-year-old vines, growing on the banks of the North Para, form the base of this wine. Barossa growers traditionally referred to their vineyard as their ‘garden’.

The traditions and culture have survived to this day including the winemaking techniques used in this Grenache blend. It is produced from low-yielding, old, gnarled, dry-grown bush vines from selected vineyards.

The season began with good winter and spring rains, although there were some isolated black frost pockets in October. Good set at flowering continued on to our hottest summer on record. Occasional timely thunderstorms arrived to maintain the humidity with a few millimetres of wonderful rain. Vintage began two to three weeks early but the heat had the potential to reduce flavours and produce high pHs and frighteningly low acids. With the arrival of milder autumnal weather came a natural rebalancing, providing only average yields but excellent whites and exceptional reds.

Bright crimson in colour. An intense lifted bouquet of sweet mature plum, raspberry, rhubarb with ripe concentrated blackberries and prunes. An intensely concentrated complex intensely textured palate, sweet and rich, excellent balance, mature slightly chalky powdery layered, velvety silky tannins, a really long finish. The most awesome Grenache made yet.
Cellaring Potential: optimum year 2004.