McHenry Hohnen, Rolling Stone 2017

Rolling Stone 2017, McHenry Hohnen (Single Vineyard)

Margaret River, Australia

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.1% ABV

The Story

Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, single vineyard wines of Margaret River.

Since its inception McHenry Hohnen has had an unwavering focus on crafting site expressive wines. As the vines age and the soils continue to evolve, the individuality and beauty of the land continually develop in our wines.

The wines of McHenry Hohnen are sourced from the family estate consisting of three vineyards, all located in the southern part of the Margaret River Wine Region: Hazel’s Vineyard and Farm, Calgardup Brook Vineyard and Burnside Vineyard. For decades, founder and owner Murray McHenry has been a leading proponent in pushing the viticultural boundaries of this pristine region. While the portfolio is grounded in Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties, McHenry Hohnen are also well regarded for less traditional varieties for this region such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache, Mataro and Zinfandel.

McHenry Hohnen see their role as stewards of the land and have implemented organic farming practices for many years to create the optimal conditions for soil health and the quality of the grapes harvested. The winemaking team craft wines that pay homage to the site of origin and use low impact techniques combined with an acute attention to detail to achieve the goal of the finest site specific wines.

Whilst the story of McHenry Hohnen is steeped in the history of the region, we look to the future with anticipation as our soil, vines and wines continue to evolve.

Vineyard & Winemaking

100% Hazel’s Vineyard. Our southernmost vineyard further inland than our Burnside and Calgardup vineyards. Hazel’s combines cooling Southern Ocean influences with a northerly aspect and plenty of sunshine. Certified Biodynamic.

The best parcels of fruit from Hazel’s Vineyard were hand-selected and fermented in open stone fermenters using indigenous yeasts. Some parcels remained on skins post-fermentation for several weeks to enhance savouriness and structure, while others were pressed earlier to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Each variety was vinified separately and matured in a carefully selected array of premium French oak barrels for 16 months. The final blend was bottled without fining or filtration.

Tasting Notes:

The nose opens with fragrant violets, cassis, dark cherry and warm earth, layered with savoury notes of black olive, bay leaf and dark chocolate. The palate is powerful, yet elegant and refined, with a dense core of blackberries, gravel dust and cedar spice. Firm but fine tannins provide impressive length and structure. Made in very limited quantities from hand-selected parcels, Rolling Stone captures the essence of this remarkable southern Margaret River vineyard and will reward patient cellaring for many years to come.

Cellaring & Service

Cellaring Potential: 20+ years

Serving Temperature: 16–17°C

Allergens: This wine contains sulphites

Accolades

97 pts – “85/5/5/5% cabernet sauvignon/malbec/merlot/petit verdot from the biodynamically farmed Hazel's Vineyard (certified from 2021 vintage). 16 months in French oak (40% new). Savoury, oak-driven and structured tannins are the standout feature here; shapely, finely knit and supple. They provide a frame from which the red berries and exotic spice can hang. Long and rippling, this is a wine of savoury succulence and longevity.”
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion

93 pts – “The berry and cherry aromas and flavors with some orange peel and lemongrass
undertones are very persuasive. It’s medium-bodied with medium firm tannins and a fresh and driven finish. Outstanding quality for the cool 2017 vintage.”
James Suckling

91 pts – “A wafty nose of roses, meat and geranium lead into a very ripe core that is richly
fruited. This is a well-structured and powerful style, the fruit has been packed with loads of flavour. The tannins are fine, chewy and bitter, reining in the boisterous core of fruit.”
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review

97 pts – “There is an indelible vintage DNA about this wine, especially when compared to
previous vintages such as the opulent 2014. It's a more elegant and restrained wine, yet it has all the hallmark power. A smooth and slick combination of Bordeaux varieties with a chalky mouthfeel coming from the tannins and oak merging. Dry chalky finish completes a stylish wine that will continue on its journey for many years.”
Ray Jordan