2018 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape
97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc
Its Origins
Henschke have a long history in Australian wine, and their story is similar to many European families who have reached the very top of their field: building on the best aspects of tradition while integrating the finest modern thinking and methodology. Johann Christian Henschke was a Sliesian refugee who came to Australia in 1841 seeking religious freedom. In 1862 he planted the first vineyard on his property in Keyneton South Australia, in the now famous Eden Vale, with the first wine released six years later. Fourth generation Cyril Henschke laid the foundation for the company’s modern success by looking beyond the fortified styles of the day to develop their first ‘serious’ single-varietal and single-vineyard wines, in particular the now-legendary Shiraz wines ‘Hill of Grace’ and ‘Mount Edelstone’. Today the fifth generation are if anything stronger, with the team of winemaker Stephen Henschke and his viticulturalist wife Prue having established the label at the pinnacle of not only Australian but world winemaking. The exceptional skill and appropriate technology brought to bear in the winery, and organic and biodynamic principles in the vineyard, are far more than doing justice to the tradition they are part of...and the extremely old vines they have in their care. Some of these vines are 100 years old - and on their original rootstocks - while vines in the Hill of Grace vineyard are likewise on original rootstocks, though some date back as far as the 1860s.
What The Critics Say
97/100 Decanter, Tina Gellie
"The 40th anniversary of the first vintage of this wine, named after Stephen Henschke's father, fourth-generation winemaker Cyril, who first planted this Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1969. And in warmer years, like 2018, the 'solar panel' slopes of this cooler site shows what fully ripened Eden Valley Cabernet can offer. Rich purple and inky blue fruits soar from the glass: cassis, mulberry, violets and an almost pine forest-like ozone freshness that brings lift and clarity to the sumptuous palate. Beautiful length, elegance and purity, with smooth graphite-like tannins and vibrant acidity. With no 2017 produced, this is worth the wait; a fitting toast to Cyril." Drink 2023 - 2040
96/100 Halliday's Wine Companion, Dave Brookes
"Some of the vines for this wine were planted by Cyril Henschke back in the 1960s. Matured in French oak (10% new) for 18 months. Bright blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with top notes of redcurrant and red cherry. Olive tapenade, cedar, light briar notes and mountain herbs. Fine lacy acidity and tight, powdery tannin provide the frame, and there is no doubt that this release will age magnificently." Drink 2023 - 2043
17/20 Jancis Robinson MW
"Transparent, shaded garnet. Intense, decongestant sort of aroma. Very unlike a French or California Cabernet! None of that rich, sweet concentration. Earthy menthol (which I hope would lead me to South Australia if I were tasting it blind) and lively freshness on the palate. Medium persistence and then it really comes back like a boomerang to an incredibly long, throat-clearing mechanism. Amazingly fresh and sprightly for a 14.5% wine, with very light tannins and light salinity on the end of the palate. Full bottle a modest 1,214 g. Picked 11–12 April. 97% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Matured in French oak hogsheads (10% new) for 18 months before blending and bottling. First produced in 1978 and named after Stephen H's father. pH 3.56, TA 6.5 g/l." Drink 2023 - 2032
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Region | South Australia |
| Closure | Stopper |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2043 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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