Details
The 2010 Adelaide Hills vintage received above average winter rainfall. A two-week heat wave experienced across South Australia in November had less impact on the vines in the cooler Adelaide Hills, as it occurred pre-flowering. Spring rains continued through till midsummer and was recorded as one of the wettest seasons for many years.
Like Eden Valley, the vintage in the Hills was a week earlier than 2009. The earlier vintage without the extremes in temperature gave high quality fruit with great aromatic flavour and fine acidity together with average yields.
In the Bottle
| Vintage | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% pinot gris grown by David and Annette Innes at Littlehampton in the Adelaide Hills. |
| Technical Details | Harvest Date: 2-3 March Alcohol: 14% | pH: 3.05 | Acidity: 5.71 g/L | |
| Maturation | Fermented in tank and held on lees for 6 months with regular stirring to build complexity. |
| Background | The Adelaide Hills has an altitude ranging from 400-600m and a rainfall of around 700-1000mm. Soils consist of sandy loam overlying weathered shale and clay, which provide excellent conditions for viticulture. Littlehampton lies on the eastern side of the Adelaide Hills and has a unique aspect for superlative pinot gris. Viticulture was first established in the Adelaide Hills in 1839 by John Barton Hack near Mount Barker, just 5km from Littlehampton. Pinot gris, called tokay d’Alsace in France, grauburgunder in Germany and pinot grigio in Italy, has its origins in France. It has become a highly regarded variety around the world. |
| Cellaring Potential | Exceptional vintage, 10+ years. |
Vintage 2010. February 2012, Mike Bennie, Wine Business Magazine
Not a classic wine for the generational winemakers at Henschke, but certainly a feather in the cap of their folio. With white nashi pear, spice and layered texture, this white has complexity, nutty nuances and great appeal. 92/100.
Vintage 2005. August 2007, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
Classic spice, pear and a hint of musk; good balance and length, the alcohol no problem. Rating 89/100.