2022 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley

There is a very strong case that this might be the best Cyril yet released. It was first produced as a single vineyard wine back in 1978 from vines planted in 1969. From the 1990s, it’s been coming from Stephen and Prue’s vineyard planted in 1988. In many ways, this marks a slightly different direction for the Cyril, although the essential D stylistic varietal expression remains strong. It’s a firm and slightly tighter wine of terrific linear structure with a bright, lively acidity, which in this vintage is particularly evident. The thread of blackcurrant fruit merges with a slightly dried herb and sage-like character. It is probably the most precisely focused of any Cyril to date, leading to its poise and defined, detailed finish. Surprisingly, in some ways, it gets just a 5% smidgeon of new oak with the remainder seasoned. So you are getting a clear window into the vineyard and the vintage influence. Drink 2026 to 2061.

97 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, March 2026

100% cabernet sauvignon matured in French oak hogsheads (5% new) for 20 months. Lifted blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant fruits with hints of olive tapenade, cedar, crushed herbs, bay leaf, violets and crushed rocks. Harmonious and silky in its travel with a core of ripe fruit layered with spice and herbs, fine, sandy tannins and a finish that draws out beautifully. No problem tucking this away in the cellar for an extended period. Drink 2026 to 2036.

96 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

The 2022 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon leads with spicy red fruit, dusty baking spices and layers of dried herbs, akin to bay leaf and oregano. The tannins here are profuse yet very fine. It feels leafy and earthy, medium-bodied and fresh. I appreciate the varietal definition and delicacy here. The cooler vintage that was 2022 has birthed a tranche of wines of great delicacy and "fluffiness"/freshness. They are wonderful wines—I like the vintage so much. Drink 2026 to 2047.

95 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, March 2026

From the Cyril Henschke Vineyard in Eden Valley, maturation is in French oak hogsheads for a period of twenty months. 5% of the hogsheads are new. This wine was first made with the 1978 vintage and since then, it has established itself as one of the very finest Cabernets, not just from this region, but from Australia. Deep maroon in colour, the nose reveals aromas of bay leaves, blackberries, coffee grinds, cloves, cranberries, hints of bergamot and dried herbs, cold tea and charcuterie, with black fruits. There is an appealing savouriness throughout with good intensity of flavour. The structure is slightly foursquare and austere at this stage, but there is serious length with a supple texture and satiny tannins. A wine of focus and underlying concentration, this will drink beautifully for at least the next two decades. Drink 2026 to 2046.

95 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, March 2026

From a single vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon on Henschke’s Eden Valley property — farmed organically and biodynamically — and aged twenty months in French oak hogsheads (5% new, 95% seasoned) before bottling. Cassis, plum, bay leaf and flickers of gravel and graphite on the nose, with air unlocking earthy tones and glimmers of eucalyptus. The palate shows elegance and power — blackcurrant, bay leaf, a mintiness woven through the acidity — with lovely integrated tannin structure drawing to a long finish. This is yet another wine from the Henschke stable that forbids you to pigeonhole the Eden Valley, as this wine places itself firmly in the pantheon of Australian Cabernet.

95 points Tom Kline for Wine Pilot, March 2026

Deep, bright red with a tinge of purple; intense briary brambly cabernet aromas, cassis and mulberry underlying.Good intensity and brightness on palate, fresh and lively, with good acidity which lifts and carries it. Very bright, medium bodied and elegant. Tannins are firm and dry on the finish. Drink 2028 to 2042.

95 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, February 2026

Henschke has been making wine in the Eden Valley since 1868, and the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most distinguished expressions of the variety in Australia. Named for fourth-generation winemaker Cyril Henschke, who planted Cabernet Sauvignon on the family's Eden Valley property in the late 1960s, the wine has been produced as a single vineyard release since 1978. The vineyard is managed under organic and biodynamic principles.

The 2022 was a remarkable season — a hail event in October significantly reduced yields, and a late, mild finish to summer delivered wines of elegance and precision. The winery places this vintage alongside 1991, 1999, 2005 and 2010 in terms of quality and ageing potential. Cellaring potential of 30 years or more from vintage.

Fragrant and focused, with the dark fruit, cedar, fine-grained tannins and natural authority that define Eden Valley Cabernet at its best. This is a wine that rewards patience and and deserves a meal to match.

Allow for plenty of air in a decanter. Lamb casserole is the winery's own suggestion — hard to argue with.