Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz 2015

The Barossa has a core of traditional growers of Lutheran descent dating back five generations, staunchly continuing the traditions of their forebears. Occasionally, one or two parcels of fruit of overwhelming quality come over the weighbridge; this is such an example. Up to 70 year old, low-yielding vines are growing in low-fertility Neoproterozoic soils more than 542 million years old, ranging from terra rossa to red-brown earths.

The fully ripe, black shiraz grapes were sourced from two grower vineyards in Tappa Pass and Light Pass, and were vinified in traditional open-top fermenters. A traditionally wet winter, mild spring and excellent fruit set provided a great start to the 2015 vintage after four vintages with below average yields. Spring was dry and led into a very mild, dry summer with no disease, resulting in fruit with higher natural acidity, and incredible flavour and colour concentration.

It was a dry, warm and windy start to January, with some welcome rain at the end of the month coinciding with the onset of veraison; perfectly timed for the old dry-grown vineyards. Mild weather followed from February through to April providing a fairytale vintage, with some Eden Valley shiraz in the winery before Easter. Barossa Valley growers red varieties, together with our estate Eden Valley fruit followed soon after, eventually winding down at the end of April as the rain and cooler temperatures set in.

The 2015 vintage has provided stunning signature regional varieties that show extraordinary flavour, purity of fruit and acid balance with the potential for excellent ageing. 

Very deep crimson with purple hues. A complex and enticing nose of red plum skin, blueberry coulis and ripe mulberry is beautifully complemented by subtle aromas of sage, tarragon, black pepper, bay leaf, anise and Dutch licorice. The palate gives layers of sweet mulberry, blueberry and spiced plum, perfectly balanced by acidity and texture, with fine velvety tannins and superb length. 97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com