2012 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot

This wine carries the name of Stephen’s father, Cyril Henschke who planted cabernet sauvignon at Henschke’s Eden Valley vineyard in the 1960’s. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot matured in 45% new and 55% seasoned French hogsheads for 18 months. Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Nosing reveals a complex bouquet of blackcurrant and dark mulberries laced with cedary tobacco characters followed by hints of dried herbs, black olives and faint spicy stalk end notes. Supremely elegant and light on its feet yet remarkably concentrated and powerful the palate is graced with mouthfilling flavours of red and black currant, mulberries, cedary tobacco characters, dried herb infusions, hints of stalky black olive like characters and spice. The super fine tannins perfectly interwoven with the fruit. Outstanding length with a long persistent finish of red and black currants, mulberries, cedary tobacco characters, dried herb infusions and subtle spicy stalk.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14%

Other Reviews…
79% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, vinified separately, matured in French hogsheads (38% new) for 18 months. This is one of Australia's greatest cabernets, staring down Coonawarra and Margaret River (just for starters). The argument evaporates when you admit - as you must - that those wines are in such different styles it's an apples and oranges comparison. The real comparison is between this and Mount Mary. It has a purity and elegance that puts it in a class of its own. Drink by 2039.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion