The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties suffered from poor set, leading to ‘hen and chicken’. Although there was virtually no rain after Christmas, the summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. The wines were vigorous and lush at first but slowly underwent mild stress during berry development, helping to keep the berry size small. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality.

Fragrant aromas of fresh cut grass, gooseberry and asparagus with underlying notes of passionfruit and tomato leaf.

The lively palate is sweet and juicy with crisp green apple acid and excellent length.

Pale straw with green hues.

Fermented in tank and bottled post-vintage (no tank maturation) to preserve the wine’s aromatic fruit characters. Bottle aged at Henschke Cellars in Keyneton for cellar release.

The vintage was one of the earliest on record; whites were nearly all picked by the end of March, providing excellent quality.