98 Points James Halliday | A Pure Expression of Mount Edelstone

My Wine Man on Henschke

Mount Edelstone is a wine whose story starts with a place, not a blend. Planted in 1912, this Eden Valley vineyard has been bottled as a single-vineyard wine since 1952 and was purchased by Cyril Henschke in 1974. That long connection between vineyard and bottle is central to its appeal: a Shiraz valued for the detail of its site as much as the depth of its fruit.

The 2018 captures that identity through blackberry and blackcurrant, floral lift and a fine mineral thread. There is generosity here, but the real distinction is the way ripe tannins and fresh acidity carry the flavours. For us, this is the attraction of Mount Edelstone: depth without losing definition, and a finish that invites you to pay attention.

Tasting Notes

Blackberry and blackcurrant lead the aromatic profile, layered with mixed spice, purple flowers, earth, liquorice and rosehip. A crushed-quartz impression adds a finely etched mineral dimension. The palate is pure and sustained, with long, ripe tannins and lacy acidity giving the dark fruit clarity and drive. The finish extends into a chalky, savoury persistence rather than simply fading into sweetness.

As the supplied review puts it, “A gorgeous expression of site”. 98 Points, James Halliday.

Style & Drinking Window

A dry, full-bodied Shiraz with ripe, extended tannins, fragrant complexity and a fresh mineral line. Our suggested drinking window is 2026–2040, subject to storage and your preference for youthful fruit or more developed savoury character. Start with a 60–90 minute decant, tasting as it opens, and serve slightly cool at around 16–18°C. This is a wine to enjoy slowly over a substantial meal rather than rush through on its own.

Food Pairing

The dark berry fruit, mixed spice and mineral freshness of the 2018 Henschke Mount Edelstone Eden Valley Shiraz make it a compelling match for Australian Sher Wagyu Ribeye M5 Steak (Frozen) from My Meat Man. The wine’s blackberry and blackcurrant flavours complement the ribeye’s rich, marbled texture, while its earthy spice echoes a well-browned crust and its lacy acidity brings freshness to each mouthful, whether charcoal-grilled, pan-seared with rosemary, or reverse-seared and finished in a hot skillet.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$1,088, this is a considered purchase for someone who values vineyard identity, maturity since vintage and a long, detailed finish. The 98-point review highlights purity, ripe tannins and sustained length, while the vineyard’s history adds substance beyond the score. Choose it for a special dinner now, or for a cellar where elegance and site expression matter as much as power.

Looking for a Different Style?

2020 St Hallett Butchers Cart Shiraz: generous Barossa fruit, ripe plum and blackberry, with exotic spice and dense, textured tannins.

2016 Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz: concentrated black fruit, chocolate and liquorice, with a supple, full-bodied profile.

2018 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon: a structured Margaret River alternative with vivid raspberry, pomegranate and saline savoury detail.