Henschke Johann’s Garden 2023

A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mataro from the Barossa Valley, vinified separately and matured in seasoned hogsheads for seven months prior to blending and bottling. This is a poised and elegant expression, offering lift, clarity, and flow. It confidently challenges the stereotype of Barossa reds as heavy and opulent, with its 14.5% ABV sitting in seamless balance. Aromatically, wild raspberry, white pepper, plum and warm earth sit high-toned, giving way to darker layers of cherry, anise and a savoury, gamey note that speaks of Mataro. With air, florals emerge—lavender and dried violet lending lift and perfume. The palate is light on its feet, remarkably airy and vibrant. Raspberry compote, baked plum and dark cherry lead the charge, wrapped in savoury spice and a faint sandy edge. Firm, chalky tannins frame the wine without weighing it down, drawing through a long, composed finish of red fruit purity. A beautifully pitched and delicious release.

Tom Kline

Wine Critic at Winepilot

Tom Kline is a wine writer, reviewer, presenter, and educator based in Victoria, Australia. He is the Australian correspondent for the internationally respected publications Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy and Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux, where he highlights the top tier of Australian wine for a global audience. Tom also writes for leading outlets including Decanter (UK), Wine Spectator (US), and Halliday Magazine, among others. An experienced wine show judge and WSET educator, he has authored several consumer-focused wine courses aimed at making wine more accessible and engaging. In 2023, Tom was awarded Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column at the prestigious Wine Communicator Awards, presented by Wine Communicators of Australia.

Wine tasting and writing