Henschke's Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of Shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines grown in the Eden and Barossa Valleys. This is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from selected vineyards in both regions; some of which were planted by Cyril Henschke back in the 1960's. The 2023 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium delivers a wonderful rendition of this hugely popular wine. The nose offers intense aromas of ripe, spicy red currant, Satsuma plum, rhubarb, boysenberry and blackberry with lifted hints of cassis, violets, sage, bay leaf, black pepper, baking spices and cedar. The palate has excellent depth and structure with plush, ripe dark fruits and a balanced acid line driving the mid-palate long and finishing with savoury spice and dried herbs in unison with the elegant, fine-grained tannins. "94 Points. Shiraz Cabernet with a 2% splash of Cabernet Franc, Euphonium is a well composed example of the classic Aussie red. Offers a nice mix of Shiraz-lead ripe plums and blackberries married to Cabernet’s cassis, herbs and leaves and tied in unison by woody spices, red earth notes, dried flowers and cocoa. Maybe there is less savouriness this vintage compared to previous years; the ’23 seems more fruit-filled and buoyant in mood. Definitely energised as a three-year-old which is a good sign for further ageing potential. Drink by: 2026-2038"- Jeni Port, Wine Pilot. "Henschke’s Keyneton Euphonium 2023 is a blend of shiraz (65%), cabernet sauvignon (33%) and cabernet franc (2%), grown in the Barossa and Eden valleys. This wine was made by Henschke winemaker Gwyn Olsen who is, just quietly, doing terrific things with the Henschke range of wines. This release is a monty for the cellar. It’s so fluid, so charming, so inherently complex and ultimately so well sustained. Its bay leaf notes are threaded seamlessly through blackcurrant and boysenberry; its grass and tobacco-like notes are at one with integrated cedarwood oak. There’s a juicy, leafy levity to this wine but also a dark seriousness. It’s a Claret-style in the best sense of the words. 94 points. $68, 14.5% alcohol, screwcap, Barossa/ Eden Valley."- Campbell Mattinson, campbellmattinson.com.
