Henschke 'Cyril' Cabernet Sauvignon Eden Valley 2018

Description

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 into one that is recognised by savvy wine drinkers throughout the world.

The Henschke family continue to craft their wines with a strong sense of place, according to organic and biodynamic farming paired with traditional red winemaking and meticulous oak ageing. The sixth generation, Johann, Justine and Andreas are all actively involved in the family business and are proud custodians of the Henschke vineyards, mindful of the need to nurture them for future generations.

An ode to fourth generation winemaker Cyril Henschke (1924-1979) one of Australia’s most revered winemakers, known especially for old vine and single vineyard wines. Cyril planted Cabernet Sauvignon along with Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the late 1960s on a north facing slope. First produced as a single vineyard wine in 1978, the 2018 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates its 40th anniversary. The 2018 Cyril was made up of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This wine was aged for 18 months in French oak hogshead, of which 10% was new.

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. Drink 2023 – 2032. 17 points - Jancis Robinson MW, March 2023, JancisRobinson.com

We have been proudly selling Henschke wines for many years, and are their official stockist in the UK. Please note, that this is stored at ideal, temperature-controlled conditions in our bonded warehouse, and might therefore take up to one week to be delivered.