2018 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon

Other Reviews....
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. Drink 2032 - 2045.
95 Points
Angus Hughson - Antonio Galloni's Vinous

Some of the vines for this wine were planted by Cyril Henschke back in the 1960s. Matured in French oak (10% new) for 18 months. Bright blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with top notes of redcurrant and red cherry. Olive tapenade, cedar, light briar notes and mountain herbs. Fine lacy acidity and tight, powdery tannin provide the frame, and there is no doubt that this release will age magnificently. Drink 2023 - 2043.
96 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Beautiful, attractive cabernet characters with cigars, tobacco leaf, currants, savory tapenade and sweet roasted chili peppers. Cocoa powder and star anise, too. Intense, but remaining fluid with a bright, red-fruited center palate followed by a lengthy, layered finish, full of Spanish chocolate and cigar box characters. Lasting almost a minute. 2% merlot and 1% cabernet franc in the blend. 10% new French oak 300 liter barrels. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.
96 Points
Zekun Shuai - JamesSuckling.com

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).
93+ Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 40th anniversary of the first vintage of this wine, named after Stephen Henschke's father, fourth-generation winemaker Cyril, who first planted this Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1969. And in warmer years, like 2018, the 'solar panel' slopes of this cooler site shows what fully ripened Eden Valley Cabernet can offer. Rich purple and inky blue fruits soar from the glass: cassis, mulberry, violets and an almost pine forest-like ozone freshness that brings lift and clarity to the sumptuous palate. Beautiful length, elegance and purity, with smooth graphite-like tannins and vibrant acidity. With no 2017 produced, this is worth the wait; a fitting toast to Cyril. Drink 2023 - 2040.
97 Points
Tina Gellie - Decanter

A late winter rainfall thwarted what looked like a very dry season.
Strong cabernet scents, rich cassis, blackcurrant, choc-mint, whiffs of clove and woody spices too. Blueberry and choc-mint to taste, tightly wound with slippery tannins and a lick of dried herbs and clove to finish. Good concentration but holds a fine medium weight feel. Elegant, is a good word. Drink 2023 - 2040.
93 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front