Eden Valley - SA

The Eden Valley is most famous for its Riesling and Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz. The Rieslings have a remarkable ageing capacity – ten years, and in top vintages many more. In their youth they have a greenish tinge and aromas of perfumed lemon/lime that continue through into the taste – with perhaps the addition of rose petals. They are quite lean with crisp acids and a good finish. But then, as they age, these great wines take on a golden hue with toast and honey-marmalade characters that adds to their uniqueness.

The Eden Valley is a very versatile region: able to produce one of the best Australian white varietals, then follow up with an even more famous red. Eden Valley Shiraz are deep crimson when young, with intense fruit flavours of blackberries and plums, even some spicy characters and smoky char from the barrel. They don’t tend to be as ‘big’ as their Barossa Valley counterparts and over time their flavours blend with the silky tannins to make the most elegant of wines. They are particularly good with lamb.

The Cabernet Sauvignons tend to follow a similar route as the Shiraz. Starting out deep crimson in colour, their aromas and flavour spectrum tend more along the lines of violets, blackcurrants, herbs and smoky bacon. As they age, the flowers, fruits, spices and tannins merge to create and added layer of complexity of typical cedar, cigar box flavours.

The Eden Valley has a number of cellar doors and it’s worth a visit to enjoy the wines emanating from 160 years of rich viticultural history.