2012 Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium

40th anniversary bottling. 65% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc grown in Eden Valley and Barossa Valley. Matured in 15% new and 85% seasoned (90% French and 10% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Very winning sophisticated version of South Australian Shiraz – from obviously warmer sites than the Shaw + Smith 2014 Shiraz served alongside at the 2016 Sydney Room to Read wine gala. Juicy and full throttle. (JR)

Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Keyneton Estate Shiraz Euphonium explodes from the nose with lifted cherry, blackberry and mulberry notes over suggestions of licorice, sandalwood, bay leaves and cedar. Medium-bodied with mouth-filling cherry, berry and spice box flavors, it has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and lively acid, finishing very long.

(a blend of shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc): Inky ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, pipe tobacco, vanilla and dried flowers, with a peppery nuance adding lift. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed black and blue fruit flavors and a hint of licorice. The vanilla and floral notes come back on the sweet, penetrating finish, which is framed by youthfully chewy, building tannins. Give this promising wine some air or bottle age.