Henschke Julius Riesling

GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Riesling grown in the Henschke Eden Valley Vineyard, managed with organic and biodynamic practices.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Harvest date: 16 - 24 March

MATURATION
Fermented in tanks and bottled after the harvest to preserve the delicate aromatic fruit characters.

BACKGROUND
Cyril, a fourth-generation winemaker, developed Henschke's reputation for premium riesling wines as early as the 1950s in the Eden Valley, Keyneton and Springton wine-growing areas of the Eden Valley wine region. This region provides ideal ripening conditions for Riesling and a unique history of exceptional ageing potential. The Henschke Eden Valley Riesling vineyard is planted on sandy loam soil over gravel and bedrock with clay patches. This wine is named in homage to ancestor Julius Henschke, a highly acclaimed artist and sculptor. Julius was renowned for his ornate gravestones and angel sculptures in the Gnadenberg cemetery, as well as for his most famous work, the inspirational War Memorial in Adelaide's North Terrace.

HARVEST
The winter of 2021 brought good rainfall to replenish the soil profiles and a slow, cool start to the growing season resulted in bud break being two weeks later than average. Extreme hail on 28 October decimated the young growth in our Keyneton vineyards and significant growing potential was lost. Late flowering (late November/early December) avoided cold and windy conditions, resulting in good fruit set, albeit with lower yields. A blast of summer heat without extremes supported berry development and balanced canopy growth. A welcome rain at the end of January initiated veraison and ripening, providing a mild and dry end to the summer. 2022 was a late vintage with harvest dates 1-2 weeks later than the historical average. The resulting wines have great elegance with excellent aromatic and taste intensity, bright acidity and wonderful ageing potential.