Henschke The Rose Grower 2019

Eden Valley Nebbiolo may not be the name on everyone’s lips but the Henschkes have made a promising start to ensuring this unlikely combination gains widespread acceptance. The name comes from a number of possible sources – rose petals is often used as a descriptor for Nebb. The name, Nebbiolo, refers to the fog found in Piedmont, which also happens where they have planted this variety on “rocky soils on an elevated foggy north facing slope at the source of the North Para River, at the top of the range overlooking the village of Eden Valley”. Finally, the property was once run as a dairy by the Roesler family and Roesler, in German, means rose grower. What else could you call it? The wine is not actually 100% Nebbiolo, containing 7% Barbera (Italian regulators would be having a fit). Viticulture is by a combination of organic and biodynamic practices. The wine spent a whopping 119 days on skins and was matured in seasoned French hogsheads for 20 months. The colour is a pleasing bronze crimson. A lovely gentle style of wine, restrained and subtle. Notes of spices, dark berries, warm earth and florals, as well as some roast meats. The palate is seamless and offers a creamy supple texture with excellent length and fine tannins. I’d be inclined to leave it for at least three to four years before opening one, but after that, this wine should give pleasure for at least fifteen years.