Awards, Ratings & Reviews
"The blend, and the cooler climate of the Eden Valley, lend themselves to this elegant, medium-bodied wine, with a full hand of blackcurrant and forest fruits, integrated French oak, and fine, but persistent and balanced, tannins on the imperiously long finish. This is a particularly good vintage"
97/100 — Halliday Wine Companion · 2010 Vintage
96/100 — Jeremy Oliver · 2010 Vintage · Tasted: Jan 2011 · Drinking Window: 2030–2040
About This Wine
Fourth generation winemaker Cyril Henschke purchased this elevated 500 metre Eden Valley property on Cranes Range Road in the late 1960s. The existing dry-grown single vineyard was established in 1988 with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines.
The north-facing vineyard is farmed using organic and biodynamic principles, planted on well-drained duplex soils of sandy loams over gravel and bedrock with patches of clay.
After vinification in open fermenters, the wine completes fermentation and is matured for 18 months in French oak.
The 2010 growing season included above average winter rainfall, a mild spring, and a wet early summer. A combination of heat and cool conditions led to earlier veraison, lower yields, and concentrated fruit.
Producer Notes
Deep crimson with garnet hues. Complex, vibrant aromas of violets, plums, blackberries and cassis with dried rosemary, thyme and oregano nuances, and a hint of beef stock, cedar and star anise spice. The palate is powerful yet incredibly finely structured with layers of plums, blackberries and red currants.
Specifications
- Vintage: 2010
- Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (84%), Cabernet Franc (13%), Merlot (3%)
- Region: Eden Valley / Barossa / South Australia / Australia
- Fermentation: Open fermenters
- Maturation: 18 months in French oak (35% new, 65% seasoned)
- Production Attributes: Organic; Biodynamic
- Alcohol: 14%
- Sweetness: Dry
- Acidity TA: 6.82 g/L
- Acidity pH: 3.5
- Ownership: Henschke family
- Closure: Cork or screwcap
- Drinking Window: 2015–2040
