Henschke Cyril 2018 Eden Valley

James Suckling

96/100 punten

"Beautiful, attractive cabernet characters with cigars, tobacco leaf, currants, savory tapenade and sweet roasted chili peppers. Cocoa powder and star anise, too. Intense, but remaining fluid with a bright, red-fruited center palate followed by a lengthy, layered finish, full of Spanish chocolate and cigar box characters. Lasting almost a minute. 2% merlot and 1% cabernet franc in the blend. 10% new French oak 300 liter barrels."

James Halliday

96/100 punten

"Some of the vines for this wine were planted by Cyril Henschke back in the 1960s. Matured in French oak (10% new) for 18 months. Bright blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with top notes of redcurrant and red cherry. Olive tapenade, cedar, light briar notes and mountain herbs. Fine lacy acidity and tight, powdery tannin provide the frame, and there is no doubt that this release will age magnificently."

Vinous

95/100 punten

"A standout vintage for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke, marked by its combination of power and restraint. It initially delivers composed blackcurrant and graphite aromas that are tight and arresting. A firm and compact palate follows - brooding gravelly, black olive, meat stock, and blackcurrant flavors with exceptional tannin balance and outstanding length. Built for the cellar and to enjoy over the next two decades."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

93+/100

"The 2018 vintage of the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon marks the 38th release of this wine. The 3.2- hectare single vineyard from which the fruit hails is planted on a combination of sandy loam and clay, over a bedrock of mica schist. The 2018 Cyril Henschke is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, matured in a combination of new (10%) and seasoned (the balance) French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. On the nose, tobacco leaf, blackberry, resin/tar, salted licorice and vanilla pod rise to the fore. In the mouth, the wine is fluid, pretty and composed, with a restrained outlay of flavors across the long finish. I had thought initially that the wine displayed aromatically as quite green; a glance at the numbers told me this might be unlikely (14.5% alcohol, pH 3.56, total acidity 6.5 gram per liter); however, there are certainly inflections in the mouth that support this notion. This is very elegant. The cassis is revealed as the wine opens. Give it time."

Jancis Robinson MW

17/20 punten

"First produced in 1978 and named after Stephen H's father. Transparent, shaded garnet. Intense, decongestant sort of aroma. Very unlike a French or California Cabernet! None of that rich, sweet concentration. Earthy menthol (which I hope would lead me to South Australia if I were tasting it blind) and lively freshness on the palate. Medium persistence and then it really comes back like a boomerang to an incredibly long, throat-clearing mechanism. Amazingly fresh and sprightly for a 14.5% wine, with very light tannins and light salinity on the end of the palate."