Wine Advisor
Henschke, Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Erin Larkin
The 2018 vintage of the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon marks the 38th release of this wine. The 3.2-hectare single vineyard from which the fruit hails is planted on a combination of sandy loam and clay, over a bedrock of mica schist. The 2018 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, matured in a combination of new (10%) and seasoned (the balance) French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. On the nose, tobacco leaf, blackberry, resin/tar, salted licorice and vanilla pod rise to the fore. In the mouth, the wine is fluid, pretty and composed, with a restrained outlay of flavors across the long finish. I had thought initially that the wine displayed aromatically as quite green; a glance at the numbers told me this might be unlikely (14.5% alcohol, pH 3.56, total acidity 6.5 gram per liter); however, there are certainly inflections in the mouth that support this notion. This is very elegant. The cassis is revealed as the wine opens. Give it time. As an avid proponent of the screw-cap closure, it is important to note that, upon opening, all wines in this release looked cramped and closed. With time in the glass (and no small amount of vigorous swirling), the wines opened up beautifully. A decant prior to drinking is highly recommended, especially if you are going to be drinking them early (i.e., anytime from 2023 - 2033).
Reviewed by: Angus Hughson
A standout vintage for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke, marked by its combination of power and restraint. It initially delivers composed blackcurrant and graphite aromas that are tight and arresting. A firm and compact palate follows - brooding gravelly, black olive, meat stock, and blackcurrant flavors with exceptional tannin balance and outstanding length. Built for the cellar and to enjoy over the next two decades.
About the Producer
Henschkes family name and reputation are now being upheld by the fifth generation, Stephen and his wife Prue. Stephen is the biochemist and winemaker and Prue is the viticulturist. Over the past 14 years, Prue`s viticultural management has breathed new life into the vineyards, which fully capitalise on some of the most remarkable old vine material in the world. Both Stephen and Prue continue to craft their white wines with a focus on purity, while their red wines have a strong focus on terroir, using traditional winemaking techniques. The highly sought-after Hill of Grace is the product of vines planted in the 1860s and is Australia's greatest single vineyard Shiraz. HIil of Grace and Mount Edelstone are arguably the two oldest single vineyard wines produced in Australia that tell the wine story of Australia. Henschke Rieslings are the finest in the Eden Valley and amongst the very best in Australia.
