2016

Stone Jar

Australia, South Australia, Barossa

Release Price

Drink Window

14.5

ABV

3.7

pH

5.71

TA

RS

From The Winemaker

The Stone Jar pays tribute to the original Henschke settlers and their rich and wonderfully varied traditions, which were carried on for generations. Stephen’s grandfather Paul Alfred sold his wine to local customers in stone jars, which in the Barossa was called a krug. The tempranillo and graciano vines were planted on rocky soils on the north facing slope at the range overlooking the village of Eden Valley, grown using organic and biodynamic practices and made using traditional winemaking techniques. In 2015 a small parcel of tempranillo was co-fermented with mataro and incorporated into the blend.

Growing Conditions

The 2016 vintage began with well below-average winter rainfall, followed by a warm and dry spring, which enhanced flowering and set to give average to above-average yield potential. Low disease pressure was maintained by one of the hottest Decembers on record, though temperatures cooled down in the New Year and rainfall around veraison in late January brought relief to the dry-grown, old vine Eden Valley vineyards. This was followed by further rainfall in early March which eased the stress on all varieties. The fruit matured with an earlier harvest, as predicted due to an early Easter. Open, light and airy vine canopies allowed for good flavour, sugar and colour and mature tannins to develop at harvest, which was overall characterized by average yields but very high quality.

Nose

A striking bouquet if red cherry, blackberry and blueberry are supported by dark plum skin, black pepper and Thai basil.

Palate

Intensely fruited with flavours of dark plum, blackcurrant, raspberry and black pepper, the palate is layered with fine, chalky tannins, a balanced acidity and lingering flavours of spiced red cherries and liquorice.