In 1912 Ronald Angas planted the sandy loam slopes of Mount Edelstone with shiraz. Located high in the Eden Valley region this vineyard came to be known as Mount Edelstone meaning gemstone. The 90-year-old ungrafted dry-grown vines from this historic single vineyard are low yielding, producing a depth of colour, concentration of flavour, length and maturity of tannins unique to old-vine shiraz. Mount Edelstone has achieved a formidable reputation since its first vintage in 1952.
Stephen and Prue, 5th generation husband and wife curators, make an inspiring viticulturist & winemaker duo and together are responsible for such famed wines as Hill of Grace, Mt Edelstone, Cyril Henschke, and more. Recently rated Australia's top Shiraz by James Halliday, the Hill of Grace is front & center of Australia's most coveted reds. The Henschke portfolio is well-worth exploring – each wine individually showcases Prue's intensely focused care in the vineyards and Stephen's intensely focused care in the winery.
The average winter rainfall this season was a welcome relief after 2003’s fourth-worst drought in history. A relatively frost-free, wet warm and thundery spring followed, creating a natural ‘greenhouse’ effect. The vines grew vigorously, flowered and in general set a large crop. December was the hottest for 10 years, however at the start of 2004 the weather became mild and windy and the vines thrived under virtually no heat stress. At the start of February searing heat caused sunburn and significant crop losses. New records were broken with South Australia experiencing its hottest day ever.
Fortunately March returned the region to glorious sunny days and cold dewy nights, with a couple of minor rain events, allowing the fruit to ripen under near perfect conditions. The vintage was almost as late as 2002 with good yields and excellent fruit quality.
Deep crimson in colour. Sweet ripe plum, anise and blueberry aromas with earthy/dusty hints, gentle ferny characters, spicy cedary oak and eucalypt. Sweet, juicy and ripe on the palate with a fleshy texture, good structure and depth, firm ripe tannins and a long rich finish.
Great vintage, drink now to 2013.
