Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke 2021

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke is an exquisite and refined Eden Valley style. It's energetic and youthful as it delivers a core of subtle dried mint and pine needle aromas, with pristine leafy red currants providing strong support. There is a claret-like tension thanks to firm acidity and chalky tannins, which are superbly balanced. A herbal phenolic twist adds bite to the finish. The 2021 is a serious Cabernet that needs time to shine.

The 2021 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon hails from a block planted in the 1960s and the 1980s. The vineyard is planted east-west, with vertical shoot positioned trellising, and the straw mulch underneath the vines assists in bringing out the most expression possible. Fermentation involves very gentle cap management to withdraw gentle tannins from the wine. It matured for 18 months in French oak. The nose leads with violets and crushed rocks, dried herbs and ancient, dusty earth. With 1% Merlot, this is essentially a Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The wine takes me to the ancient gums and rocky outcrops of the Eden valley, a place I am incredibly fond of. This is the loveliest Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon I can recall—sleek and evocative. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Intense hit of very pure and concentrated blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, shot through with an enlivening dose of menthol and an underlying growl of something altogether earthier. The fruit is so vivid that you only really notice the rasp of fine-knit tannins if you’re paying attention. Amazingly bright acidity given the level of ripeness. Harvested between 14-16 April and matured for 18 months in French oak hogsheads (8% new).