HENSCHKE KEYNETON 'EUPHONIUM' RED BLEND 2019
| Grape: | 52% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot & 11% Cabernet Franc |
| Vineyard: | Henscheke |
| Origin: | Barossa, South Australia |
| ABV%: | 14.5% |
| Vintage: | 2019 |
| Colour: | Deep crimson |
| Aromas: | Fragrant and spicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and anise on the nose |
| Flavours: | The palate is rich and complex, with layers of dark forest fruits and spiced pepper balanced by fresh acidity and carried by fine-grained tannins for a long and elegant finish. |
The Henschke family have been making wine at their estate in the Eden Valley since 1868. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke took over running the winery in 1979. Together with his viticulturist wife Prue, they have taken their two single vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, and transformed them into two of Australia’s most sought-after wines. Through a combination of great viticulture from Prue, who is at the forefront of re-introducing native plants into their vineyards to improve biodiversity, and winemaking from Stephen, they have built upon their inheritance and turned this traditional producer in to one that is celebrated all around the world.
Vineyard
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, some of which were planted by Cyril Henschke at his Eden Valley property in the 1960s. The Barossa hills village of Keyneton, pioneered by pastoralist Joseph Keynes in 1842, was a musical and cultural focus for the early settlers, and was home to the Henschke Family Brass Band, founded in 1888. It featured wind instruments such as a B flat euphonium, a large brass wind instrument, which has been lovingly restored and remains in the Henschke family.
2019 Vintage
The 2019 vintage proved to be a challenging one, with below average yields yet very high quality and beautiful expressions of varietal character prevailing. Winter, spring and summer were all very dry with warmer than average temperatures, resulting in the advancement of maturity and an early onset harvest. The late ripening varieties, Riesling and Cabernet were standouts, however most varieties were of a very high standard, including Shiraz, despite miniscule yields.
Winemakers Highlights
The grapes were handpicked in the cool mornings before arriving at the winery. Maturation took place in 17% new and 83% seasoned (80% French and 20% American) oak hogsheads. This lasted for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.