Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Retrospective Twin Pack 2010 & 2015

The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.

The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today.

Henschke's commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke's unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine.

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. The Barossa hills village of Keyneton, pioneered by pastoralist Joseph Keynes in 1842, was a musical and cultural focus for the early settlers, and home to the Henschke Family Brass Band and Henschke winery.

The Keyneton Euphonium Retrospective Twin Pack contains two museum releases of this shiraz cabernet blend and is the perfect wine pairing for your festive lunch or dinner. The 2010 and 2015 Keyneton Euphonium vintages are rated 'Excellent' and ‘Exceptional’ respectively, by winemaker Stephen Henschke, and reveal vibrant notes of mulberry and forest fruits, with more subtle hints of cedar, clove and anise, and a smooth and lingering finish. Enjoy the beauty in comparing these two special vintages...

The 2010 Vintage is a blend of 70% shiraz, 18% cabernet sauvignon and 12% merlot grown in the Barossa (Eden Valley and Barossa Valley regions). Matured in 15% new and 85% seasoned French and American oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Bottle aged in the Henschke cellar for museum release. 

Deep red, with deep crimson-red hues. A complex melange of bramble fruit, blueberry, Satsuma plum and cranberry aromas, revealing notes of violet, liquorice, cassis and bay leaf and hints of development with leather, star anise, cumin and cedar. A structural palate of rich red fruits, with complex layers of spicy black currant and crushed herbs, driven by a refined acid line and velvety tannins. Showing great purity in its development. Drink now to 2030.

This has come on well since seven years ago. Typical regional raspberry, and spicy/vegetal bouquet, laced with dried herbs including thyme and oregano. Medium bodied, soft, supple; drinking very well now. Lovely wine, elegant and drinking in its prime. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 93 Points.

The 2015 Vintage is a blend of 66% shiraz, 19% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 5% cabernet franc grown in the Barossa (Eden Valley and Barossa Valley regions). Matured in 20% new and 80% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Bottle aged in the Henschke cellar for museum release.

Deep crimson with garnet hues. Enticing aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis are enveloped by herbal notes of sage and bay leaf that lead to subtle nuances of red fruits, black pepper, vanilla and cedar. A generous palate offers rich flavours of red and blackcurrant, dried herbs and black pepper, with great purity, balance and texture forming a delicious mouthfeel, while velvety tannins provide great length and complexity. Drink now til 2035.

A blend of 66% shiraz, 19% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 5% cabernet franc matured in French hogsheads (20% new) for 18 months, the grapes picked over 2 months. It's a fragrant, elegant wine, the fruit flavours akin to piano keys, a fine web of tannins and oak completing the picture. - James Halliday, Wine Companion, 95 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2010 & 2015
Bottle Size - 2 x 750ml
ABV - 14.5%