2018

Stone Jar

Australia, South Australia, Barossa

$50 AUD

Release Price

Drink Window

ABV

3.64

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

A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that vines grew well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer lead to the potential for near-average yields. Late December became warm and dry and assured for healthy canopies with low disease pressure. The summer months of January and February were typically hot and dry but extreme heat periods were shorter than in recent memory, characterised instead by well above-average overnight temperatures. March and April provided the light and warmth which lead to full and balanced maturity being achieved across all grape varieties. All in all, the 2018 vintage will be considered a standout of this decade, fittingly so in the year we celebrated our 150th anniversary of family winemaking.

Nose

Exotic and perfumed aromas of tamarillo, black cherry, boysenberry and black currant are supported by cinnamon, anise, rosehip and dried herbs.

Palate

The palate is at once plush and savoury with flavours of freshly cut plum, red currant, cacao nib and black pepper. Elegantly structured, the balanced acidity and fine tannins provide a beautiful mouthfeel with a long, focused finish.