Critic Scores:

• 97 – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
• 97 – Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
• 96 – Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
• 96 – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
• 96 – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
• 95 – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
• 95 – Jeni Port, The Vintage Journal
• 94 – Tom Kline, Wine Pilot
• 94 – Tony Love, The Vintage Journal
• 93 – Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
• 18.5/20 – Matthew Jukes, MatthewJukes.com
• 18/20 – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com

An ode to the winery's founding father — stonemason and wheelwright Johann Christian Henschke — this single-vineyard Shiraz draws its character from old vines planted in 1968 by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke at 470 metres elevation in the cool, southerly reaches of the Eden Valley. Farmed organically and biodynamically on grey sandy loams over prismatic clay, the site imparts a distinctly red-fruited, high-altitude grace that sets The Wheelwright apart from Henschke's more powerful Barossa expressions.

The 2022 season rewarded this vineyard in particular: a cooler, unhurried ripening period delivered refinement and precision, and the site escaped the hail that touched other Henschke vineyards, resulting in yields that were, unusually, refreshingly generous. Matured for twenty months in French oak hogsheads with only a small proportion of new wood, the wine presents in the glass as deep crimson with violet highlights — lifted, fragrant aromatics of raspberry, black cherry and boysenberry interwoven with nutmeg, aniseed, wild fennel, sage and an inviting savoury thread of charcuterie.

The palate is precise and finely drawn, layering mulberry, blueberry and dark plum over white and pink peppercorn with delicate floral lift, all carried through by fine, integrated acidity to a silky and sustained finish.

This vintage is noted for its seductive, plush texture and a sustained finish that vibrates with primary fruit drive and spicy, earthy complexities. Integrating the leading 97-point score from critic Ray Jordan, the wine is hailed for its vibrant poise, possessing a "beautifully seductive mouthfeel with tremendous depth and concentration of Shiraz."