Henschke Cyril Cabernet Sauvignon

"Deep but brightly coloured, this is a no holds barred, full-bodied Eden Valley cabernet sauvignon that will live for decades, blessed by a screwcap. Blackcurrant fruit, touches of cedary oak, black olive, bay leaf and earthy tannins are all on parade." James Halliday

• Winery: Henschke
  
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  
• Region: Eden Valley, SA, Australia
  
• Vintage: 2016
  
• Alcohol: 14.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Screwcap
  
• Food match: Lamb roast, beef, game meat, pork & pepperoni; tuna & salmon; pizza; BBQ & heavy red sauces; bleu-veined cheeses
  

Winery notes: Deep ruby with garnet hues. Lovely complex aromas of cassis, red currant and mulberry interwoven with anise, oregano, thyme, violets and tobacco leaf. The palate delivers layers of vibrant and pure black currant and plum, balanced by hints of cedar and vanilla pod. Lively acidity and fine-grained tannins provide a long, defined, mouth-coating finish.

This wine carries the name of Stephen’s father, Cyril Henschke (1924-1979), as a tribute to one of Australia’s outstanding winemaking pioneers, renowned for old-vine single-vineyard and quality varietal table wines. Cyril planted cabernet sauvignon at the Henschke Eden Valley vineyard in the 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.

The Henschke family has been making wine since Johann Christian Henschke planted a small vineyard by hand on his diverse farming property in Keyneton in 1862. Today, fifth-generation Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue are passionately upholding the family name and reputation. They are a highly regarded team who are recognised for the complementary nature of their roles - Stephen as winemaker and Prue as viticulturist. While they are perhaps most famous for Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, they continue to surprise with their new styles and techniques. Prue's meticulous, innovative viticultural management has seen not only new life breathed into the venerable old vines, but also a new direction given to white winemaking that their forebears could never have imagined.

• 100/100 Points - Andrew Caillard (2016 vintage)
• 97/100 Points - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2016 vintage)
  
• 96/100 Points - Falstaff (2016 vintage)
  
• 96/100 Points - The Wine Front (2016 vintage)
  
• 96/100 Points - Jeremy Oliver (2016 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (2016 vintage)
  
• 96/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Tom Cannavan (2015 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - The Wine Front (2015 vintage)