Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz Blend 2021 750ml

The 2021 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium is a masterful red blend that harmoniously combines Shiraz (63%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Merlot (3%) from the Eden and Barossa Valleys . Crafted from vines up to 50 years old, this wine showcases the depth and complexity characteristic of Henschke’s winemaking legacy.On the nose, it reveals fragrant aromas of blackberry, raspberry, plum, rhubarb, and cassis, intertwined with hints of sage, cooking spice, black pepper, anise, and violets . The palate is elegant, opening with fresh cut plum and mulberry, leading into blackberry, bramble, cassis, and bay leaf, balanced by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins.Matured for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak, the wine exhibits a refined structure and a long, savoury finish.Critically acclaimed, the 2021 vintage received 96 points from Andrew Caillard MW, who noted its “pure dark cherry, hint marzipan aromas with aniseed, herb garden notes” and described it as “really delicious and satisfying” . Matthew Jukes praised it as “the finest and most impressive Euphonium” he has tasted, awarding it 18.5 points .This wine is drinking beautifully now but also possesses the structure and balance to cellar gracefully for 15+ years . It pairs excellently with dishes like herb-crusted lamb rack, roasted duck with cherry glaze, or aged cheddar .Deep crimson with red hues. The intensely perfumed nose shows hallmark Mount Edelstone characters of rich, concentrated dark fruits, cracked black pepper, crushed sage and bay leaf. The palate is very elegant and focused, tightly wound with juicy black fruits, spice and subtle herbal notes, layers of flavour and texture, velvety tannins and a long, fine finish. Matured in 88% French and 12% American (54% new, 46% seasoned) hogsheads for 21 months prior to blending and bottling.Exceptional vintage, cellar 25+ years (from vintage). – HenschkeHalliday Wine Companion – 94 PointsA seamless blend of shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot; each variety laying down their individual characteristics for the good of the great whole. There is excellent length of flavour here, with plummy merlot flesh, spice, sage and density from the shiraz, gently flecked blackberry tones from the cabernet and the liminal leafy edge of the franc. A bright, minerally cadence and long, black-fruited finish wrap things up from this very strong vintage. – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion