This wine carries the name of Stephen’s father, fourth generation Henschke winemaker, Cyril Henschke (1924-1979); a tribute to one of Australia’s outstanding winemaking pioneers, who was renowned for old-vine, single-vineyard and quality varietal table wines. Cyril planted cabernet sauvignon at the Henschke Eden Valley vineyard in the late 1960s.
The cabernet sauvignon vines, along with cabernet franc and merlot, are planted on a north facing slope, grown using organic and biodynamic practices. This wine celebrates the incredible beauty that emerges from the vibrant rows of the Eden Valley vineyard, revered for its texture, depth, complexity and fine-grained tannins.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Very deep crimson.
Aroma: Hints of cedar, earth, dried herbs and tobacco appear on the nose alongside cassis and black cherries.
Palate: Svelte and refined, the Cyril Henschke is wonderfully composed and complete. Its medium to full-bodied palate is streamlined yet generous and richly textured, leading into a lingering, silky finish. Elegant and concentrated, it should drink well for over a decade.
Grape Varieties: 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.
Awards: 93pts – James Suckling; 94pts – Wine Advocate-Parker
History of Henschke
The Henschke family is one of the longest-established wine names in the Barossa. Established by Johann Christian Henschke in 1861, each generation built upon the reputation for quality. But it was fourth-generation Cyril Alfred Henschke who in 1958 created one of the world’s most highly sought after red wine – Hill of Grace. Today, fifth generation Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue uphold the family name and reputation, as winemaker and viticulturist respectively. Henschke is also one of the first producers from Barossa to adopt biodynamic practices in their estates.
Website: www.henschke.com.au