2021 Cyril Henschke

Eden Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep crimson with violet hues. Spicy, perfumed aromas of blackcurrant, anise, violets, tomato leaf and cedar, with notes of bay leaf, black olive, crushed flowering herbs, cinnamon and cardamom. The palate is bright, vibrant and textural with pristine cassis building into complex layers of cocoa, cedar and sandalwood. Balanced acidity provides freshness and structure to the plush fruit, framed by an elegant tannin profile that persists through to the long fine, seamless finish. 


$195.00
$195.00
Deep crimson with violet hues. Spicy, perfumed aromas of blackcurrant, anise, violets, tomato leaf and cedar, with no...

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Due to limited production, bottle limits apply.
BACKGROUND

This wine carries the name of Stephen’s father, fourth-generation Henschke winemaker, Cyril Henschke (1924-1979); a tribute to one of Australia’s outstanding winemaking pioneers, who was renowned for old-vine, single-vineyard and quality varietal table wines. Cyril planted cabernet sauvignon at the Henschke Eden Valley property in the late 1960s. The cabernet sauvignon vines, along with cabernet franc and merlot, are planted on a north facing slope, and are managed with organic and biodynamic practices. First produced as a single-vineyard wine in 1978, Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates the incredible beauty that emerges from the vibrant rows of this Eden Valley vineyard, revered for its texture, depth, complexity and fine-grained tannins.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Harvest Date: 14 – 16 April

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation:

Cellaring Potential: 30+ years (from vintage).

VINTAGE

Average rainfall in the winter of 2020 was followed by even budburst, with buds showing good fruitfulness. Frost damage was significant, and spring was cloudy, with good rains pre-flowering, followed by short bursts of hot weather in late November. The late-flowering varieties were impacted by heat at the end of November and strong winds in early December damaged the canopies, although the crop remained disease free. January was dry, with a burst of heat prior to a perfectly timed rain event at veraison in early February. The lead up to vintage was cool, cloudy and mostly dry. After our coolest summer for 19 years, a warm autumn provided ideal conditions for ripening in our red varieties, achieving excellent colour, flavour intensity and tannin maturity. The 2021 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade; remembered for complex wines with exceptional varietal expression, balance and purity, that speak of the ancient land from which they originate. With a likeness to the high-quality vintages of 1986, 2002, 2005, and 2015, all of which were mild seasons, the 2021 single-vineyard wines show an impressive potential for long-term ageing in ideal cellaring conditions.

TASTING NOTES

This wine carries the name of Stephen’s father, fourth-generation Henschke winemaker, Cyril Henschke (1924-1979); a tribute to one of Australia’s outstanding winemaking pioneers, who was renowned for old-vine, single-vineyard and quality varietal table wines. Cyril planted cabernet sauvignon at the Henschke Eden Valley property in the late 1960s. The cabernet sauvignon vines, along with cabernet franc and merlot, are planted on a north facing slope, and are managed with organic and biodynamic practices. First produced as a single-vineyard wine in 1978, Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates the incredible beauty that emerges from the vibrant rows of this Eden Valley vineyard, revered for its texture, depth, complexity and fine-grained tannins.

Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Harvest Date: 14 – 16 April

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation:

Cellaring Potential: 30+ years (from vintage).

Average rainfall in the winter of 2020 was followed by even budburst, with buds showing good fruitfulness. Frost damage was significant, and spring was cloudy, with good rains pre-flowering, followed by short bursts of hot weather in late November. The late-flowering varieties were impacted by heat at the end of November and strong winds in early December damaged the canopies, although the crop remained disease free. January was dry, with a burst of heat prior to a perfectly timed rain event at veraison in early February. The lead up to vintage was cool, cloudy and mostly dry. After our coolest summer for 19 years, a warm autumn provided ideal conditions for ripening in our red varieties, achieving excellent colour, flavour intensity and tannin maturity. The 2021 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade; remembered for complex wines with exceptional varietal expression, balance and purity, that speak of the ancient land from which they originate. With a likeness to the high-quality vintages of 1986, 2002, 2005, and 2015, all of which were mild seasons, the 2021 single-vineyard wines show an impressive potential for long-term ageing in ideal cellaring conditions.

19+/20
“I love Cyril, and this stunning 2021 takes up its position in Australia’s great pantheon of Cabernets because of its sheer quality, detail, and glittering uniqueness. No other wine tastes like it, making it an essential part of any Cabernet lover’s repertoire. … This is a landmark vintage for Cyril, and I cannot wait to see how it evolves because I have a half-point in reserve, just in case I...

MATTHEW JUKES, MATTHEWJUKES.COM

97 Points
“… A lovely claret style infused with the perfume and terroir of the Eden Valley.”

ANDREW CAILLARD MW, THE VINTAGE JOURNAL

96 Points
“… It’s so well balanced, even and flows beautifully with soft tannins though they lend shape and freshness attractively. Glorious harmony and drinkability.”

MIKE BENNIE, THE WINE FRONT

96 Points
“… Fruit pure and detailed with a very long, graceful finish and superfine, powdery, granitic tannins. A wonderful release for the Cyril Henschke. …”

DAVE BROOKES, HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION

96 Points
“… Extremely complex, elegant and refined, with tightly integrated tannins that will evolve gracefully over the coming decades. …”

RYAN MONTGOMERY, JAMESSUCKLING.COM