2013 Henschke Mount Edelstone Museum Release Shiraz

The Mount Edelstone Vineyard, established in 1912 by Ronald Angas, a descendant of George Fife Angas, features ancient 500-million-year-old geology that has resulted in deep red-brown clay-loam soils. These conditions lead to low yields from the dry-grown, ungrafted centenarian Shiraz vines. First bottled as a single-vineyard wine in 1952 by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke, Mount Edelstone has been crafted by the Henschke family for over 65 years and is considered one of Australia's premier single-vineyard Shiraz wines.
The 2013 vintage began with an early summer marked by occasional thunderstorms and four heat spikes into the 40s. A cooler January and warm February accelerated the early vintage prediction. Despite the dry conditions through winter, spring, and summer, expectations remained high for Eden Valley Riesling and old-vine Shiraz. A much-needed 16mm of rain in early March aided the dry-grown vines, followed by a roller-coaster of weather with alternating hot and cold cycles throughout March. Cool, drizzly weather briefly stalled the harvest, but a return to warm conditions in early April allowed the late varieties to mature, resulting in a vintage of average yields and outstanding quality.
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews....
The 61st vintage, from 101yo ungrafted dry-grown vines, matured for 18 months in 81% French and 19% American hogsheads (34% new). The decision to hold back the release of this shiraz until after the '14 was correct - this is a densely packed wine destined for a long life as vertical tastings have proved again and again, intensity and focus achieved without apparent effort. Medium-bodied, but with compelling black fruits riding on the back of tannins and carefully measured oak.
97 Points
James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Very old vines. Given all the attention in the world, this has a swirling array of roasted brown spices across aromas of rich, ripe blackberries and dark plums. Some roasting herbs, too. The palate shows luscious concentration and depth. The really plush and smooth tannins are carrying deceptive power and deep, weighty fruit. A richer Mount Edelstone. Drink or hold.
95 Points
JamesSuckling.com

The 2013 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz hails from a drought year—it was tough. In fact, the 2014 Edelstone was released before the 2013. Yet now, we look at this wine, 11 years from harvest, and the wine is svelte and seamless in its flow of flavor across the palate, with pomegranate molasses, alpine mint, dried herbs, a hint of arnica, rose petals and black cherry. It is chewy, elegant and spiced. It's a lovely wine that has decades to go. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under Vinolok. Drink 2024 - 2048.
96+ Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This Museum & Rare Collection release maintains a firm but fine backbone of polished tannins which, together with the youthful primary fruit (predominantly black), brings potency and great presence to the palate. Sage, winter greens and underripe strawberry lend nuance and freshness. There is subtle viscosity too, with tertiary tapenade character and nutty, savoury oak. But there's plenty of mileage here too, with mouth-coating tannins and cleansing acidity to the finish. Drink 2024 - 2043.
97 Points
Sarah Ahmed - Decanter