Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium is sourced from the Barossa and Eden Valleys, two of South Australia's most renowned wine regions.

• The Eden Valley is known for its high-altitude vineyards, with elevations that provide cooler temperatures and longer growing seasons, which help to preserve the natural acidity and aromatic complexity of the grapes.
• The Barossa Valley, on the other hand, offers a warmer climate and rich soils that contribute to the intensity and depth of flavor in the wines.

The vineyards benefit from a variety of soil types, including loamy sands and red-brown earth over clay, which provide excellent drainage and optimal conditions for vine growth. The combination of these diverse terroirs allows the Henschke family to produce grapes of exceptional quality, which are then meticulously blended to create the Keyneton Estate Euphonium.

Winemaking

The Keyneton Estate Euphonium is composed of 65% Shiraz, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. The grapes are harvested from mid-March to late April, ensuring each variety is picked at optimal ripeness. The winemaking process begins with fermentation in traditional open-top concrete fermenters, allowing for gentle extraction of flavors and tannins. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, enhancing its richness and texture.

Following fermentation, the wine is matured for 18 months in 20% new and 80% seasoned French and American oak hogsheads, which adds layers of complexity and integrates the oak seamlessly with the fruit. This careful aging process results in a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with the capacity to age gracefully for over 25 years​​.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson with vibrant ruby hues.
• Aroma: Lifted aromas of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, Satsuma plum, blueberry, anise, and violets, with hints of black pepper and cedar.
• Palate: Rich and concentrated flavors of dark plum, blackberry, and blackcurrant, with a pure, plush, and focused mid-palate. Bright, balanced acidity and excellent length, carried by fine-grained, ripe tannins.

Did you know?

The Keyneton Euphonium is named in honor of the Henschke Family Brass Band, which was founded in 1888 by second-generation Paul Gotthard Henschke. The band featured various wind instruments, including a B-flat euphonium produced by the famous Zimmermann factory in Leipzig, Germany, in the late 19th century. These instruments were imported to Australia by Carl Engel, a musical entrepreneur, and have been lovingly restored and preserved by the Henschke family​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised Short Ribs with Polenta: The rich, tender meat and creamy polenta create a perfect match for the wine's concentrated fruit flavors and fine tannins.
• Mushroom and Truffle Risotto: The earthy and aromatic notes of truffles and mushrooms enhance the wine's complex bouquet and velvety texture.
• Pork Tenderloin with Figs and Balsamic Reduction: The sweetness of the figs and the tangy balsamic glaze complement the wine's vibrant acidity and dark fruit character.
• Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds: The exotic spices and sweetness of apricots in this North African dish pair beautifully with the wine's spice notes and balanced structure.

History of Henschke Estate

The Henschke estate was established in 1868 by Johann Christian Henschke, who emigrated from Silesia, Germany, to Australia in the mid-19th century. The winery gained early recognition for its quality wines and has been passed down through generations, each contributing to its legacy.

Cyril Henschke, representing the third generation, was a pioneering winemaker who introduced single-vineyard wines, including the now-iconic Hill of Grace in 1958. His innovative approach and commitment to quality set the foundation for the estate’s modern reputation.

Today, the estate is managed by fifth-generation winemakers Stephen and Prue Henschke, who continue to uphold the family’s traditions while integrating sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. Under their leadership, Henschke has maintained its status as one of Australia’s premier wine producers, celebrated globally for its exceptional wines.

Region and Vineyards

The Henschke vineyards are located primarily in the Eden Valley, with some holdings in the Barossa Valley. The Eden Valley's elevation and cooler climate provide ideal conditions for growing premium grape varieties, particularly Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils in this region are diverse, ranging from sandy loam over clay to rocky schist, contributing to the complexity and unique character of the wines.

The Hill of Grace vineyard is perhaps the most famous, featuring some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, planted in the 1860s. These ancient, dry-grown vines produce grapes of remarkable depth and intensity, forming the backbone of Henschke’s flagship wine.

Other notable vineyards include Mount Edelstone, renowned for its Shiraz, and Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, known for its cool-climate varieties.

Wine Range

Henschke offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of their respective vineyards. The portfolio includes:

• Hill of Grace: An iconic single-vineyard Shiraz, known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.
• Mount Edelstone: Another distinguished Shiraz from ancient vines, celebrated for its rich flavors and elegant structure.
• Keyneton Estate Euphonium: A harmonious blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, showcasing the synergy of Barossa and Eden Valley fruit.
• Johann’s Garden: A tribute to the early German settlers, this blend of Grenache, Mataro, and Shiraz is vibrant and aromatic.
• Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon: Named after Cyril Henschke, this wine exemplifies the excellence of Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Tilly’s Vineyard: A crisp and refreshing white blend, highlighting the diversity of the Henschke vineyards.

Did you know?

The Hill of Grace vineyard, located opposite the historic Gnadenberg Church, draws its name from the German term Gnadenberg, meaning "Hill of Grace." This vineyard, with vines over 150 years old, remains ungrafted and is one of the few pre-phylloxera vineyards in the world. The Henschke family’s dedication to preserving these ancient vines showcases their commitment to heritage and excellence in winemaking.