2023 Henschke Marble Angel Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley

A wine to fill the senses. The aromas are elevated and herbal infused with plum, cherries, berries, cocoa, earth and graphite notes, all brightly spiced. Boasts fine tannins, good structure and it must be said that oak (French hogsheads, 10% new) is really smartly used here, an overall blending tool that aids the whole integrated feel of the wine. Lifted fruit and aromatics are definitely on show and so attractive. A light earthy savouriness inhabits the finish, offering yet another complexing element to the whole. Will age beautifully. Drink 2026 to 2043.

95 points Jeni Por for Wine Pilot, April 2026

Henschke is one of Australia's most celebrated family wineries, with six generations of continuous winemaking at Keyneton in the Eden Valley since 1868.

The Marble Angel takes its name from Julius Henschke, who was a renowned sculptor and stonemason whose works in Angaston marble include the National War Memorial on Adelaide's North Terrace. The marble quarry that supplied his stone sits adjacent to the Light Pass vineyard that produces this wine, connecting art, geology and winemaking.

The Light Pass vineyard sits on a limestone base overlain by red clay soils in the northern Barossa Valley. The vines were planted in the late 1970s and the site has been the source for this wine since its first release. While not Henschke-owned, the long-term partnership that produced consistent quality across every vintage. Winemaking is restrained and deliberate, with predominantly seasoned oak providing integration without dominance.

Deep crimson, the nose shows dark brambly berry, cassis and roasted hazelnut with rosemary, thyme, tomato leaf and a mineral graphite thread. The palate is structured and generous with fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity and a long, elegant finish that reveals more complexity with time in the glass.

A serious Barossa Cabernet that sits comfortably alongside the region's best. Worth decanting for an hour before enjoying with slow-roasted lamb or Korean braised beef short ribs.

Drink now through 2038.