2022 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet, Barossa & Eden Valley

59/33/6/2% shiraz/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/merlot; 60/40% blend of Eden Valley/Barossa grapes. The 2022 release smells plummy and expressive with layers of spice, dried herbs, sage, bay leaf, blackberry pastille, tobacco leaf olive tapenade and earth. Some lovely nutty oak tones roll through on the palate, which shows wonderfully pure black fruits, fine, silty tannins and a vibrant line.

94 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Henschke Keyneton Euphonium is a beautifully composed blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, sourced from the Barossa and Eden Valleys. It reflects both the Henschke family’s deep roots in the region and their focus on crafting elegant, expressive reds with a sense of place. Named after the village of Keyneton, where the Henschke family settled in the 19th century, and inspired by the family's musical heritage (the euphonium being a nod to their brass band history), this wine brings tradition and finesse together in one of their most celebrated cuvées.

The blend is built on old-vine Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, supported by Cabernet varieties from the higher-altitude Eden Valley. The fruit is hand picked and fermented in traditional open-top fermenters before spending around 18 months in a mix of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. The result is a wine that balances Barossa richness with Eden Valley structure and freshness.

The nose is layered and aromatic, with notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, dried sage, bay leaf, cedar and graphite. On the palate, it’s full bodied and supple, offering ripe black fruits, mocha, aniseed and fine-grained tannins. The Cabernet elements bring precision and backbone, while Shiraz lends flesh and spice. It finishes long and savoury, with a stony lift and impressive length.

Food pairing: ideal with slow-roasted lamb, beef and mushroom pie, venison, hard cheeses or barbecued ribs with rosemary and garlic. Also excellent with smoked eggplant or dark lentil stews.

Cellar potential: drinking well now with a decant, but built to evolve beautifully over 10 to 15 years, gaining earthy complexity, cigar box notes and polish with time.