2021 Keyneton Estate Euphonium
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Tasting notes
Made from 60% Shiraz and 40% the other three grapes, this is a wickedly expressive Euphonium with a spicy, open and extremely welcoming stance on the palate. Instantly appealing and generously deep, this wine is a superb introduction to the Henschke portfolio, and it represents their important grape varieties, the twin sub-regions, their own vineyards, and those of their greater family and friends. In this respect, it is a clever amalgam of all this fine label represents, and it swings in at an affordable price tag, too. It is also widely available in the UK and internationally distributed, too. So, when I report that this is the finest and most impressive Euphonium in my memory and a siren call for this brand, I hope everyone who has enjoyed a Henschke wine and everyone who has yet to step up to this marque gets involved. In addition, it is just about drinking. While it is not quite as silky or as polished as the Eden Valley brigade (below), it wears its heart on its sleeve, showing a fair degree of glamour, glorious depth and a remarkable array of fruit notes and spices, all delivered in a waterfall of delicious flavours.
Critic scores
Average Score
Matthew Jukes
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Luscious dark cherry and plum fruit, along with complexing notes of baking spice, liquorice and woody herbs. Dense and chewy at first, then a burst of acidity and a note of blood orange lift the finish and help it endure for a surprisingly long time. Harvested 1 March-22 April and matured in 11% new and 89% seasoned hogsheads (82% French, 18% American) for 18 months.
Spice- and earth-driven aromas of dark cherries, blood plums, blackcurrants, dried herbs and cured meat. The palate is full-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and finely integrated tannins, giving notes of licorice, mulberries, pepper, mocha and ferric earth. A seamlessly integrated blend of mostly shiraz with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. Drink or hold. Screw cap.