2012 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley

78% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc and 7% merlot grown on the Henschke Eden Valley vineyard.

Matured in 38% new and 62% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Deep crimson with red hues. Concentrated and complex aromas of cassis, black and red currants, blackberry leaf and violets with underlying savoury nuances of crushed dried herbs, cigar box, beefstock and anise spice, all supported by dark cedary French oak. A flood of rich blackberry and bright red currants greet the palate, which is precisely defined by purity of acidity, an elegant structure and layers of long, silky fine-grained tannins that provide great persistence. Cellar 25+ years.

97 points – James Halliday

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.