TN: Henschke Mt Edlestone 1994.

[Phil Wilkins]

Very dark plum, crimson rim. Slightly reticent nose to start with but it opens with the traditional Henschke spice/aniseed notes combined with floral elements (not as in Vioginer though) and violet elements. Extremely intense with minerally blackberry qualities, dried herbs, white pepper, hints of eucalyptus & meaty aspects. The palate is pure & focused but the initial mouth feel is delicate but then it detonates within seconds showing refined and gloriously pure red & black fruits, poised acidity, ripe tannins with oak influences & finishing with good length. Not the most exotic wine IÂ’ve ever drunk but itÂ’s but brilliantly clean. A terrific wine all told - although for the negative there is a slight heat on the nose. 14%abv.

This is classic Mt Edlestone though, and a <u>note</u> to others, that is that this is a wine that demands ageing; perhaps up to 10-12 years in lack luster vintages & up to 20-25 years in great vintages.

Surely one of the best Mt Edlestones since the Â’91, Â’90 & Â’86 but still young. My preference would be to keep this for 3-5 & up to 10 years longer for a touch more complexity & secondary notes. Poorly cellared bottles have shown cabbage tones but this (well-cellared bottle) is still young & very lively. A classic Australian & perhaps it will be almost stunning in 5 more years although time will tell.

Phil

[Phil Shorten]

Phil

I tasted this wine (unfortunately don't own any) on the Millennium eve against 94 Grange and it was demonstrably better than the Grange. Good to see that it is developing well!

Cheers
Phil