Details
The lead-up to the 2011 vintage was very different to past seasons. A strong La Niña event dominated the weather pattern, bringing a wetter than average winter and the coldest for 13 years. The drought was broken across the country with floods in the eastern states and a return to high river levels and full dams. The wettest spring was recorded, with the coldest average spring temperatures since 2005. Vine growth was extremely vigorous due to high soil moisture levels and regular thunderstorm activity. The wettest December day ever was recorded on December 7. Summer was generally mild, with one rainfall event mid-January and three days in the 40s at the end of January. The spin-off from Cyclone Yasi and monsoonal activity in the north and west brought more unseasonal weather across the southern regions of the country. Weather conditions encouraged the spread of powdery mildew and downy mildew, with the highest levels of disease experienced since 1992/93.There was also the return of plague locusts through the region, causing damage in the more isolated vineyards.
Veraison began in mid-February, heralding a late beginning to the harvest. Thunderstorm activity continued through February with mild temperatures causing a nervous anticipation to the impending vintage. Rain, high humidity and mild temperatures continued through March, making it one of the wettest since 1974. This affected the ripening but allowed for early flavour development and maintained acidity. The humid, wet conditions encouraged the growth of botrytis, making hand-selected fruit essential. Despite the difficult conditions, the flavours in the Eden Valley whites, in particular riesling, were incredible.
In the Bottle
| Vintage | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% riesling grown in Eden Valley |
| Technical Details | Harvest Date: 31 March-7 April Alcohol: 11% | pH: 2.88 | Acidity: 9.4 g/L | |
| Maturation | Fermented in tank and bottled post-vintage (no oak or tank maturation) to preserve the wine’s fruit character. |
| Background | Cyril Henschke developed the Henschke reputation for premium riesling wines as early as the 1950s from the vineyard areas of Eden Valley, Keyneton and Springton in the Eden Valley wine region. This region provides ideal ripening conditions for the riesling grape and has a unique track record of exceptional ageing potential for the variety. The Eden Valley riesling vineyard is planted on sandy loam over gravel and bedrock, with patches of clay. It has been named in tribute to ancestor Julius Henschke, a highly acclaimed artist and sculptor. |
| Cellaring Potential | Great Vintage, 20+ years |
Vintage 2011. 25 January 2012, Kerry Skinner, Illawarra Mercury
Stunning cool climate riesling from one of Australia's elite winemakers. Viticulturist Prue and winemaker Stephen Henschke have produced a wine of great finesse and quality despite difficult vintage conditions. Perfumed notes on the nose, lemon, lime and citrus fruit a hint of spice, a zesty minerally backbone and a crisp, dry finish. Drink with oysters.
Vintage 2011. 19 November 2011, James Halliday, Weekend Australian Magazine
This is one of the best of many examples proving that the swings of the cool vintage prevailed over the roundabouts of disease in the well-managed riesling vineyards. A wine of outstanding texture and structure that carries the cascade of lime and lime zest through to the long, imperious finish. Great things in store. 96 points, $33, screwcap, 11% alc. Drink to 2018 with blue swimmer crab.
Vintage 2011. 15 November 2011, Huon Hooke, Good Living, The Sydney Morning Herald
Bright pale-lemon hue; a subdued, shy, backward aroma with hints of lemon and herb and a whiff of passionfruit. It needs air and becomes quite beautiful in its understated, undeveloped way. Those who prize delicacy and subtlety in riesling will love it. The palate is restrained and refined with mineral notes, drawing to an intense, tight, nervy finish and an aftertaste of great energy and finesse. There's nothing better with a piece of fish. Drink now to 2022-onwards. 11 per cent alcohol. 94/100. Food Snapper, flathead, whiting or barramundi, steamed or pan-fried and served meunier or with beurre blanc.
Vintage 2011. 08 November 2011, Daily Telegraph
What a cracker of the year for Eden Valley Riesling, here one of the region's most respected names turning on the charm with a poised and balanced wine exuding lovely pinelime flavours with a purity and energy that is impossible to miss. 94 Points. Food: Seafood risotto
Vintage 2010. 22 March 2012, Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald
A classic traditional Australian riesling, pale in colour with a faintly yeasty, crisp lemon and apple scent and a clean, dry but smooth palate. Bracing and balanced, it has terrific intensity, line and length. Superb drinking now and to at least 2020.93/100.
Vintage 2008. 14 April 2009, Ralph Kyte Powell, Epicure, The Age
“Today the best of the family's rieslings remain classic examples of the best Eden Valley style. Julius 2008 offers intense white peach, lime and German-accented spice aromas that are clean and varietally pristine. The palate is plump and well structured with deliciously subdued flavour but great presence. It finishes dry and savoury. Henschke Julius has a great ageing pedigree, especially under screwcap, so stock some away for future enjoyment - you won't be disappointed.
Vintage 2007. 5 February 2008, The Age
Pristine Eden Valley riesling has long been a Henschke house speciality and this 2007 is a fine example. It's a fresh style with cinnamon-spicy, lime and tropical fruit aromas coupled to minerally notes. The palate has clean, pure, lemon-lime flavours of zesty intensity, finishing powder dry. Excellent.
Vintage 2007. November 2007, The Advertiser - Australia's Top 100 wines
From the reknown riesling territory of Eden Valley, the wine has a distinct lean to crisp apples splashed over with lemon juice, perhaps even sprinkled over with cinnamon spice the a keen line of acidity balancing neatly with all those clean, refreshing flavours that offer a great finish.
Vintage 2005. August 2007, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
“Light green-straw; spotlessly clean; fine and directly focused, with lime, lemon and green apple; great length and finish. Rating 95/100.