2003 Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke
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Tasting notes
Dense, blackcurrant cordial, very sweet and ripe on the palate, but not without complexity – cedar, leather and olives are in there, although primary fruit grabs most of the attention. (RH)
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon “Cyril Henschke” includes 9% Merlot in the blend. It spent 18 months in new French oak. The wine offers a subtle perfume of toasty oak, wood smoke, cassis, clove, and black currants. Elegant on the palate with complex, intense flavors, it has enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years and provide pleasure through 2025. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; www.henschke.com.au
Deep ruby. Powerful cassis, blackberry and kirsch aromas are complicated by pungent herbs and suave oak spices. Fleshy and ripe, with liqueur-like dark fruit, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors lifted by a light tough of eucalyptus on the back. Finishes sweet and broad, with outstanding persistence. Built to age but open and succulent already. Still, I'd resist temptation for at least another five years.