2025 Henschke Stone Jar Tempranillo 750ml

Overview

Stone Jar is a single-vineyard Tempranillo from the Henschke Eden Valley Vineyard, planted from 2000 onwards on rocky soils at the source of the North Para River. Awarded 95 points by Ray Jordan, the 2025 release is 100% Tempranillo, combining vibrant red fruit, savoury complexity and fine, chalky texture with focused acidity and supple tannins.

Critic Reviews

95 Points — Ray Jordan, WinePilot
“Aromas reveal raspberry, earthy notes and a touch of cherry cola. The medium-weight palate delivers that appealing rustic and savoury combination that works so well with tempranillo, while bright red fruits provide freshness and energy.”

93 Points — Andrew Caillard MW, Vintage Journal
“Medium deep crimson. Beautiful red cherry, raspberry, chinotto, hint Campari notes. Juicy and exuberant with red cherry, raspberry fruits, plentiful slinky/chalky textures, lovely inky density and fresh mineral acidity. Finishes bittersweet with chinotto notes.”

Vineyard

The Tempranillo is grown on the Henschke Eden Valley Vineyard in Eden Valley, South Australia. The single-vineyard plantings date from 2000 onwards and are situated on rocky soils at the source of the North Para River. The vineyard is managed using organic and biodynamic practices.

Vintage

The 2025 season began with continued dry conditions and below-average winter rainfall. An unusually warm late winter prompted early budburst before a severe mid-September frost caused widespread damage. Vine recovery exceeded expectations, while supplementary irrigation helped maintain vine health through the dry season. Warm conditions accelerated ripening in March and harvest concluded in mid-April, the earliest on record. The vintage was rated Excellent.

Winemaking

The fruit was harvested on 27 March. The wine was matured for six months in 100% seasoned oak hogsheads prior to blending and bottling.

Producer Tasting Notes

Henschke: “Deep ruby with bright red hues. Fragrant aromas of satsuma plum, maraschino cherry and raspberry are layered with tamarillo, dried fig, crushed flowering herbs, white pepper and mace. A vibrant palate of dark berry fruits and red cherry unfolds into dried oregano, bay leaf and cedar, with focused acidity and supple tannins delivering excellent depth and length.”

Stone Jar

Stone Jar pays tribute to Stephen and Prue Henschke’s grandson, Bosco Nicolas Henschke. The name also recalls Stephen’s grandfather, third-generation winemaker Paul Alfred Henschke, who sold wine to local customers in stone jars, known in the Barossa as “krugs”. Tempranillo’s origins in northern Spain provide a further connection to Bosco’s maternal family and their tradition of winemaking with the variety.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2025
• Producer: Henschke
• Grape Variety: 100% Tempranillo
• Region: Eden Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
• Vineyard: Henschke Eden Valley Vineyard
• Vineyard Planting: From 2000 Onwards
• Viticulture: Organic and Biodynamic Practices
• Harvest Date: 27 March 2025
• Alcohol: 13%
• pH: 3.43
• Acidity: 6.08 g/L
• Vintage Rating: Excellent
• Maturation: 6 Months in 100% Seasoned Oak Hogsheads
• Cellaring Potential: 15+ Years from Vintage