Vic tasted these wines at Henschke.


Henschke 'Tillys Vineyard' 2005
Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (709212)
This opens with a glorious and lifted nose of white flowers in an exotic spice box. On the palate look for full, rich fruit flavours of nectarine, peaches and citrus complemented by layered hints of honeycomb and herbaceous, grassy undertones. This complex blend - 55% Semillon, 25% Chardonnay and 20% Sauvignon Blanc - offers a refreshingly clean and lingering finish. The price to quality balance is skewed heavily in your favour. (VH)


Henschke Lenswood Croft Chardonnay 2005
Adelaide Hills, South Australia $55. 30 (709212)
A solid wine from a great vintage that opens with a layered, beguiling nose of vanilla, butterscotch and cashews. Give the new French oak two years to integrate, but the gorgeous rich flavours of spiced apple and pear and the full texture will carry it nicely if you can't wait. The cooler Adelaide Hills region asserts itself in the tangy and zesty citrus finish. Under Stelvin screw cap, assuring integrity now and in your cellar. Drink 2009 to 2012. (VH)


Henschke Lenswood 'Abbotts Prayer' 2003
Adelaide Hills, South Australia $88.30 (720508)
Elegant and rich without being overpowering or jammy; licorice and dark chocolate aromas form the segue to this glorious Merlot. The flavours are dense and rich - cassis, currant and vanilla - and for now sturdily wrapped in a noticeable tannin structure. Lots of oomph and succulent flavours - 14 months in oak, 14.9% alcohol and miniscule yields in a scorcher of a dry year - coalesce into a thing of beauty. It will reward short term cellaring. Drink 2009 to 2014, with great confidence. (VH)


Henschke 'Mount Edelstone' 2003
Eden Valley, South Australia $108.75 (718601)
Aromas of red licorice and cherry open this full-bodied red that drenches the palate with sweet brambleberry and currant flavours. This single vineyard fruit is dry-farmed from low yield, 90 year old gnarled Shiraz vines. The round and ripe and tannins complement the lengthy and luxurious finish that adds on a glorious layer of creosote and spice. No need for a food match - a meal in itself. Drink now, after a three-hour decant, to 2012. (VH)


Henschke 'Hill of Grace' 2001
Eden Valley, South Australia $515. 95 (709212)
From a pre-phylloxera vineyard first planted almost 150 years ago, this wine is an Australian icon. An early harvest in a very hot summer produced this light to medium-bodied Shiraz. Cherry and blueberry aromas waft from the glass while the flavours are in the cassis and Bing cherry zones. The medium-length finish offers grainy tannins and additional red berry fruit flavours. This is definitely on the light and beautifully-balanced side of the flavour / texture spectrum. Drink 2009 to 2014. (VH)