Product Information:
An absolute pleasure to drink. Lovely balancing act between the leafier notes and its rich dark fruits. Beautiful really. Tannin is a fine and bracing. It’s good now, but obviously worth keeping.
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.
This wine was matured in 11% new and 89% seasoned (82% French, 18% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.
Maker
Henschke is a prestigious, family-owned winery with a rich legacy that spans over 153 years and six generations. Founded in 1862 by Johann Christian Henschke, the winery began with a modest vineyard in Keyneton, South Australia, and has since grown into one of Australia’s most celebrated wine estates. Located in the renowned Eden Valley wine region, Henschke's vineyards extend across some of the most esteemed wine-growing areas, including the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Their acclaimed single-vineyard sites, such as Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, are a testament to the family's commitment to producing exceptional, site-specific wines that embody the uniqueness of their terroir.
The Henschke family’s dedication to excellence has earned them international recognition and accolades. In 2021, they were honoured as Wine Enthusiast’s New World Winery of the Year, further solidifying their global reputation for outstanding craftsmanship. Additionally, Henschke was named Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion, and they proudly carry the Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious winemaking practices. With a legacy built on quality and innovation, Henschke continues to shape the future of Australian winemaking while maintaining their foundational values of excellence and respect for the land.
Philosophy
Henschke’s winemaking philosophy is founded on the belief that the best wines are made in the vineyard. By embracing organic and biodynamic farming practices, the family ensures that their vineyards are cared for with a long-term view, prioritising the health of both the vines and the land. This respect for nature allows the true expression of the fruit to shine through, producing wines that are authentic, balanced, and reflective of their unique environments. Henschke’s approach to farming is not just about sustainability—it’s about building a legacy of responsibility for future generations.
This commitment to working with nature rather than against it is evident in every bottle of Henschke wine. The family’s attention to detail, combined with their unwavering focus on quality, has resulted in a portfolio of wines that are globally recognised for their excellence. Henschke’s wines are crafted with the intention of showcasing the distinct characteristics of their vineyards, with each vintage offering a true expression of place. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of their winemaking process, Henschke ensures that their wines will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come, leaving a lasting impact on the world of fine wine.
Tasting Notes:
Nose - Brooding, Bramble, Graphite
Brooding aromas of mulberry, satsuma plum, anise, bramble, spice and graphite.
Palate - Full, Plush, Choc-mint
Full, rich, fleshy and quite primary and plush in flavour. Lashings of black fruits, sweet spice, choc-mint and a briary earthiness.
Finish - Textured, Firm, Lively
The tannins are textured, firm and shapely and there’s plenty of lively acidity ensuring the decadent fruit behaves itself.
Deep, dark and impenetrably opaque in the glass. Brooding aromas of mulberry, satsuma plum, anise, bramble, spice and graphite. Full, rich, fleshy and quite primary and plush in flavour. Lashings of black fruits, sweet spice, choc-mint and a briary earthiness. The tannins are textured, firm and shapely and there’s plenty of lively acidity ensuring the decadent fruit behaves itself. - Adam Brasher, The Real Review, 95 Points.
This is a silken release, creamy, with sound curranty fruit running through its core, complemented by grass, bay leaf, toast and sweet plum characters. It covers the field, each variety contributing, ably. It’s a pleasure to drink; its leaf notes temper the fruit quite beautifully. Tannin is a fine, well-placed mesh too. It’s good now but there’s obviously no hurry. - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - 62% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%