Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven and the Slab of Baby Backs!
Hello Friends,
As many of you have probably experienced in the age of the coronavirus pandemic, visits to the local grocer aren’t about what you want but rather what’s available. At my neighborhood grocer, fresh seafood is always accessible, but poultry, pork, and beef are limited and oftentimes sold out. After picking up some halibut and flounder fillets at the fresh seafood counter recently, I strolled past the meat department and spotted a lone slab of baby back ribs that had my name written all over it. Lucky me, right?! Within 30 seconds of putting the ribs in my shopping basket, I knew what I was having for dinner the next day, as well as which wine would complete the meal.
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| Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven |
My pick: Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven. Henschke was established in 1868 and is a sixth-generation, family-owned winery with more than a century and a half of grape-growing and winemaking experience. Their Henry’s Seven bottling pays tribute to Mr. Henry Evans, who planted the first vineyard of seven acres in 1853 in the country village of Keyneton, South Australia. This blend, composed of Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro (aka Mourvèdre), and Viognier, emphasizes the historical introduction of French and Spanish grape varieties to South Australia’s early pioneering days of wine growing, harkening back to the history and culture of the Barossa.
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| Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven and the Slab of Baby Backs! |
My protein: After applying a dry rub and letting the meat rest in the fridge overnight, I slow-smoked the ribs with applewood and finished them in a thick, deliciously balanced sauce with just a hint of sweetness. Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven proved an excellent match, elevating the occasion and meal rather effortlessly, with the food and wine bringing out the best in each other. Get your grill ready, friends; I highly recommend creating this experience for yourself! For further information and where you can find this delicious Shiraz-based blend, please see my tasting notes below.
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| Bon Appétit! |
Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven (SRP $48): This is a compelling Shiraz-based blend carefully sourced from vineyards throughout Eden and Barossa Valley. A traditional practice in Côte Rôtie, (66%) Shiraz is co-fermented with (9%) Viognier, while Grenache (15%) and Mataro (10%) are fermented separately. A beautiful ruby-purple color in the glass, this full-bodied blend starts out with savory, floral-laced aromas joined on the entry by flavors of vibrant cherries, ripe blackberries, and stewed plum, with trailing hints of pretty violet and exotic spice. There’s good mid-palate depth, rounded out by seamless, finely-knit tannins and well-balanced, fresh acidity. It ends with a long, polished finish. An excellent addition to any dinner table that’s sure to please. Region: Barossa, South Australia, Australia. Other info: ABV 14.5%, aged in seasoned French hogsheads for ten months, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
