18 points, Matthew Jukes, MatthewJukes.com – 28th March, 2022
I am particularly partial to Keyneton Euphonium, and it is a genuinely noble creation in 2017. The 2017 is a tighter, more structured style than the expansive 2016, and yet I like it enormously for very different reasons. There is no need for this blend to load muscle and weight on the palate, even though many wines do just this. Imagine, if you will, a KE sporting a perfectly tailored three-piece suit, broad across the shoulders and nipped in at the waist – this is the silhouette of 2017 Euphonium. Elegant, controlled and suave, this is a perfumed wine with a gorgeous, smoky, red-fruited feel. The acidity is mouth-watering, making this intense red wine feel refreshing and savoury. I am extremely impressed and if you consider the diminutive price tag, this is a work of genius. While I appreciate that it could not be more different in delivery than the mighty 2016, I find its balance and elegance exceptionally alluring. You could indeed open a bottle today and enjoy the flavours from the off, but there is a rigidity and poise here buried in its core that will enable this wine to mellow for a good ten to fifteen years. (Drink now – 2035).
16.5+ points, Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com – 28th March, 2022
Full screwcapped bottle 1,283 g. This is not a single-vineyard release but was included in my box of samples by UK importer Liberty Wines (the 2018 is already released in Australia). 62% Shiraz, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot from Eden Valley and Barossa Valley. Aged for 18 months in 85% French and 15% American oak of which 19% was new. For more background see this wine of the week. Stephen Henschke reiterates that, although this blend contains quite a portion of grapes bought in, including some from Barossa Valley, the growers of them tend to be friends of the family.
Although this is different in its ingredients, this wine very much exhibits the subtle, polished, Henschke style of winemaking with freshness and salinity and perfectly ripened fruit with a super-clean finish. It may not be quite as long as the single-vineyard wines but the pricing is fair relative to them. 14.5%. Drink 2022 – 2030
95 points, Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion – 13th August, 2021
62/24/11/3 shiraz/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/merlot. Matured 18 months in (19% new) seasoned 85/15% French/American oak hogsheads. I love the transparency of the Barossa's cooler seasons, in such articulate detail here that all 4 varieties are clearly visible in all their glory. Unashamedly medium bodied, refreshing and enticing, yet in no way underpowered, simplistic or short lived. Crunchy berry fruits, fine-ground tannins and vibrant acidity unite to marvellous effect and outstanding line and length. It takes some skill, dexterity and humility in the winery to allow fruit of such elegance to really sing. A classic Barossa blend with a long future before it.
95 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review – 28th March, 2022
Very good deep red colour with a good purple tint. The bouquet is sweetly raspberry-ish and very Eden Valley in style, earthy-spicy also, with a bouquet of dried herbs and dried flowers, especially sage. The wine is deliciously fruit-sweet and almost lush in the mouth, the masses of fine, subtly drying tannins keeping the finish and aftertaste neat and disciplined. A lovely wine, approachable already but certainly built to last and will be better if you can keep your hands off it a few years.
93 points, Sarah Ahmed, Decanter – 29th March, 2022
With a splash of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Henschke’s twist on a classic Aussie Shiraz-Cabernet has no shortage of interest and layers to its fresh black berry and plum flavours. Riffs of blackcurrant bud, black pepper, black olive, fennel, cedar and sandalwood and a neat touch of charred nutty oak bring delicious savoury nuance. Emphatic but elegant acidity and fine, slippery tannins make for an involving, energetic palate. Drinking Window 2022 – 2032
93 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com – 5th July, 2021
This cooler vintage shuffles cabernet to the fore, with leafy redcurrants and red berries, as well as some first-wood tones. The palate is more supple and reflects the influence of shiraz with blackberry and plum flavors set amid quite fleshy texture. A blend of shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Wines available in June 2022
Prices in Bond
