Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2018 1.5L
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.
The Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2018 1.5L is a stunning wine that showcases the artistry of blending Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from select vineyards in the Eden and Barossa Valleys. This composition is a tribute to the Barossa hills village of Keyneton, known for its rich musical and cultural heritage, which includes the Henschke Family Brass Band and the Henschke winery. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep crimson colour with a dark ruby core, inviting anticipation of the sensory journey to come. The aromas are both fragrant and spicy, with a captivating bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, fresh plum, cassis, violets, black pepper, sage and bay leaf. These primary fruit notes are complemented by underlying hints of cedar, charcuterie, baking spices and anise. On the palate, the Keyneton Euphonium 2018 showcases its richness, plushness and complexity. Layers of dark forest fruits, plum and spicy pepper dance harmoniously, creating a symphony of flavors. The wine is well-balanced, with fresh acidity providing vibrancy and fine-grained tannins adding structure. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lasting impression.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 14.5%