64% merlot and 36% cabernet sauvignon grown at Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills. Stephen and Prue Henschke, fifth-generation winemakers at the family cellars at Keyneton, selected Lenswood in 1981 as a new vineyard site, just 50km from their ancient Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace vineyards. At 550m, the Lenswood vineyard slopes offer not only beautiful views over the older vine country, but also higher rainfall and humidity at the right time of the year, cooler temperatures to retain natural acidity, and still enough sunshine to fully ripen the grapes. The Abbotts Prayer label links together the history, religion and pioneers of this mountainous region. This property along Coldstore Road, including the vineyard, was pioneered by T N Mitchell, the first settler, and was originally known as Abbotts Flat. Vineyards were previously established in this area in the late 1800s.

The quality of the 2005 vintage is sure to be ranked as one of the best on record, after 2002, with all varieties showing strongly. Once again the signature varieties for Eden Valley, ie, riesling and shiraz, performed brilliantly. Very deep crimson in colour. Sweet, spicy aromas of violets, forest hints, dusty mulberries and blueberries with cedar and fruit cake. A lush, concentrated, sweet ripe palate layered with great texture and fruit flavours; intense and complex. Excellent depth and structure, fine-grained tannins and a very long finish. Exceptional vintage, drink now to 2015.