The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.
The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today.
Henschke's commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke's unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine.
Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines growing in the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from selected vineyards in both regions. The Barossa hills village of Keyneton, pioneered by pastoralist Joseph Keynes in 1842, was a musical and cultural focus for the early settlers, and home to the Henschke Family Brass Band and Henschke winery.
Nose - Cure Meats, Blackberry, Tobacco Leaf
Fragrant and spicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, fresh plum, cassis, violets, black pepper, sage and bay leaf with underlying notes of cedar, charcuterie, baking spices and anise.
Palate - Concentrated, Seamless, Elegant
The palate is rich, plush and complex, with layers of dark forest fruits, plum and spicy pepper, balanced by fresh acidity.
Finish - Fine, Wood Shavings, Dried Herbs
Fine-grained tannins and eternal finish. The best is yet to come.
Deep ruby red from core to rim. Blackberry, tobacco leaf and pencil shaving aromatics. Medium to full with a seamlessly gliding nature as it rolls with black and blue fruits, graphite and wood shaving characters. An elegance to its flow that belies its persistent tannins and intensity of fruit. Lingers for an eternity at the finish. A very stylish and classic example of the great Australian blend, shiraz and cabernets. - Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 96 Points.
This Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend may be three years old, but it is as tight as a drum. This translates into potential-plus! The fine, firm tannin structure is definitely key to what will be considerable longevity. Resting easy in the background is a savoury undertow that revolves around red fruits, dried herbs (with sage a highlight note), spice, liquorice and a lingering herbal tomato leafiness. Well composed but hiding its considerable light at this moment. The best is yet to come. - Jeni Port, WinePilot.com
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 14.5%
