Henschke

Regarded as the best medium-sized red wine producer in Australia, Henschke has gone from strength to strength over the past three decades under the guidance of winemaker Stephen and viticulturist Prue Henschke. The red wines fully capitalise on the very old, low-yielding, high-quality vines and are superbly made with sensitive but positive use of new small oak: Hill of Grace is second only to Penfolds Grange as Australia's red wine icon (since 2005 sold with a screwcap). JAMES HALLIDAY

When the Hill of Grace vineyard was planted in the 1860s, Adelaide was only just over 20 years old – so when you drink Henschke Hill of Grace you are in some ways drinking the history of European settlement in Australia or at least in South Australia. CAMPBELL MATTINSON

Prue Henschke’s work in the Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone vineyard has been a remarkable forensic exercise. These utterly unique and historical vineyards define in many respects the essence and future of ultra-fine Australian Shiraz. Canopy management, sod culture, mulching and the use of native grasses to maintain soil moistures are used throughout Henschke’s vineyards. The adoption of Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic principles is a recent development. This has already reaped extraordinary results. ANDREW CAILLARD MW, Langtons