The acclaimed Henschke family, foundation members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, was one of the pioneering families of South Australia when Johann Christian Henschke migrated from Silesia (Germany in 1841). Each generation has contributed to the legend with fourth generation Cyril Henschke pioneering varietal, single-vineyard wines in the 1950s, most famously Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace Shiraz. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen and his viticulturist wife Prue have won many awards for their talent, innovation and integration of vineyard and winery. They lead the way with environmental, biodynamic and organic principles. Henschke wines are handcrafted and deeply personal, reflecting the unique terroir of vineyards: the wine names tell either a personal story of the family or the cultural history of their region.

Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines growing in the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from selected vineyards in both regions; some of which were planted by Cyril Henschke at his Eden Valley property in the 1960s.

Henschke’s Keyneton Euphonium 2023 is a blend of shiraz (65%), cabernet sauvignon (33%) and cabernet franc (2%), grown in the Barossa and Eden valleys. This wine was made by Henschke winemaker Gwyn Olsen who is, just quietly, doing terrific things with the Henschke range of wines. This release is a monty for the cellar. It’s so fluid, so charming, so inherently complex and ultimately so well sustained. Its bay leaf notes are threaded seamlessly through blackcurrant and boysenberry; its grass and tobacco-like notes are at one with integrated cedarwood oak. There’s a juicy, leafy levity to this wine but also a dark seriousness. It’s a Claret-style in the best sense of the words. Date: Apr 2026; Rating: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson