Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Sourced from the vineyards of Eden Valley, in the cool hills of the Barossa region of South Australia, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from the historic Henschke Eden Valley vineyard, complemented by parcels in Craneford. Benefiting from high altitudes, ancient soils predominantly composed of shale and sandstone, and a relatively cool climate, this terroir promotes slow and even ripening of the grapes. The combined influence of cool breezes and significant temperature variations imparts aromatic finesse and tannic structure to the wine.

The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed, and crushed before undergoing traditional fermentation in small, open vats, with pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color, flavor, and tannins. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (26% new) before being blended and bottled, then further aged in the cellar before release.

This wine reveals notes of blackcurrant , blackberry , and black cherry , supported by floral nuances of violet and dried flowers , followed by spicy touches of pepper and clove . Woody accents of cedar , tobacco , and toasted oak mingle with a subtle graphite and slightly mineral dimension. On the palate, the wine is full and silky, carried by fresh acidity, firm yet polished tannins, and a long, lingering finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.