Henschke Marble Angel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

The Barossa has been home to the history and heritage of grape-growing and winemaking for over five generations. The Barossa was also home to Julius Henschke, a famous craftsman, artist and sculptor. Julius was recognised for ornate headstones and angel sculptures at Gnadenberg Cemetery, as well as his most famous work, the inspiring War Memorial on North Terrace in Adelaide. The Angel of Compassion and Duty sculptures are acclaimed across the country. His craft focused on the most pristine white Angaston marble quarried next to the cabernet sauvignon vineyard at Light Pass, planted on ancient red clay and limestone soil, which brings out exquisite flavour and structure in the wine.

100% Single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from 40 years old vines aged in 40% new and 60% seasoned French hogsheads for 18 months has produced a deep crimson with violet hues wine. Sweet, lifted aromas of cassis, ripe black and blue berries, anise and plum skin with underlying hints of crushed herbs, cigar box and cedar dominate the nose. Rich, generous layers of black and blue fruits meld with beautifully balanced acidity and fine-grained chalky tannins for a long, complex finish. This is an exceptional wine with cellaring potential of 25+ years.

The La Niña pattern weakened during the lead-up to the 2012 vintage, resulting in below average winter and spring rainfall. July was the driest since the serious drought of 2003. Spring was mild with few frost events; however, flowering and fruit set were affected by wet drizzly weather in mid to late November, leading to only average yields. Summer was also surprisingly mild with below average temperatures from southerlies off the ocean in January and only two short heat events, at New Year and at the end of February. This provided for slow ripening which allowed for intense fruit flavours, high colour figures, high acidity and mature tannins. Rainfall leading up to vintage was above average, with the heaviest rainfall events in late January and late February, which tied in well with the natural physiology of the dry-grown vines; ie, keeping leaves active at veraison and ripening. Temperatures were mild during harvest through March, warming to an Indian summer in April, allowing for a long window of picking and amazing maturities with the red varieties. Cabernet was a standout variety showing great purity and spice, colour, intensity and strikingly mature tannins. Yields were average with exceptional overall quality.

Nick Stock 96 Points, Wine Front 95 Points