2015 Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium
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Tasting notes
Brilliant violet color. Mineral- and smoke-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and vanilla on the deeply perfumed nose, along with hints of cracked pepper that builds in the glass. Offers juicy, palate-coating cherry-vanilla and blackcurrant flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of smoky minerality that adds lift and back-end cut. Takes on a suave floral nuance on the long, supple finish, which is given shape by smooth, harmonious tannins.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
66% Shiraz, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Lots going on here with crushed black fruits, thyme and herbs. I love the savoury earthy note here along with a tar note, plums and a wonderful depth of fruit. A very long finish with a graphite tinge creeping in. (AC)
66% Shiraz, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in French oak hogsheads (20% new). Originally made as a straight Shiraz, but evolved in the 1980s when Stephen and Prue started trialling blends to add more structure. Much more red fruit than their Henry’s Seven, and the mix of fruit works really well, giving both bramble and berry fruit. There’s a classic overripeness on the nose, just on the right side of baked. Juicy, balanced and there’s a touch of sweet oak on the finish. Touch of bitterness to finish. (RH)
With its blend of 66% Shiraz, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Keyneton Euphonium is a more structured Syrah-based blend than the Henry's Seven. Less generous young, it promises at least a decade of cellaring potential. Hints of cedar and green-edged tobacco appear on the nose, alongside scents of cassis, mocha and pristine earthy notes of clean compost. It's medium to full-bodied, with tannins that are both silky and firm providing focus and length.