Henschke "Tappa Pass" Shiraz 2020
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WS 94] [WE 94] [VM 93]

About the Winery:
Henschke is one of Australia’s leading winemakers and grapegrowers.  Henschke is recognized for its rich heritage, innovative spirit and commitment to handcrafting exceptional wines for 150 years. The Henschke family’s grapegrowing and winemaking tradition spans six generations, from outstanding sustainable vineyards in Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills. 

About this Wine:
This wine is sourced from up to 70-year-old, low-yielding shiraz vines from a selection of historical grower vineyards at Tappa Pass and Light Pass, growing in low-fertility Neoproterozoic soils more than 542 million years old, that range from red-brown earths to terra rossa. These vineyards provide shiraz fruit from both the Eden and Barossa Valleys of the Barossa zone, vinified in traditional open-top fermenters.

Tasting Notes:
Deep crimson with bright purple hues. Intense and spicy aromas of briary blackberry, blueberry, plum, violets and crushed herbs, with hints of sage, black pepper and leather. The palate is rich and lush, with concentrated raspberry, plum and blackcurrant fruit, moving through to more complex flavours of dark chocolate, ground coffee and a hint of anise, balanced by fresh and lifted acidity, and an elegant finish of long, fine-grained, velvety tannins.

Technical Details:

100% Shiraz

Alcohol: 14.5%

pH: 3.53

Acidity: 5.8g/L

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Impressive, this is both powerful and elegant, with bittersweet chocolate, fresh blackberry and strong Earl Grey tea flavors that are spicy, aromatic and harmonious. Features fresh-cracked black pepper, a hint of spearmint oil and a touch of cigar box on the long, expressive finish, with polished, dense tannins. Drink now through 2037. 300 cases made, 50 cases imported." - MW (Jun 2023)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Henschke's signature Shiraz aromas of beetroot-like earthiness is on display her such as roasted root vegetables and very dark chocolate woven with luscious plum and dark-berry fruit. The palate is bold and fruit driven, framed in spicy, chalk dust tannins. A chiseled, still somewhat austere wine that should evolve greatly with time in bottle. Drink 2025—2040." (Mar 2024)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Opaque in color, this 2020 Shiraz Tappa Pass shows ripe, generous fruit, although still in that more understated Henschke style. It opens with graphite and peppery lift well matched to rich chocolate and blackberry aromas. Bold yet beautifully detailed. It offers the best of both worlds with more luscious flavors underpinned by touches of undergrowth and dried herbs before a lengthy finish. Give it a good dose of air if drinking young with at least a decade ahead for the patient." - Angus Hughson (Jun 2023)