Henschke Abbotts Prayer 2018

There is not too much merlot or cabernet sauvignon in the Adelaide Hills as it is a very cool climate for these varieties with the likes of Ashton Hills giving up years ago. Despite the challenges team Henschke persevere and I am glad they do as Abbotts Prayer is regularly one of the country’s best merlots. 2018 has turned out quite a ripe expression of this vineyard with sweet leafy cassis and cedar aromas which are vibrant and generous. The palate is more savoury and earthy, even sinewy, with dark fruits and green olive flavours before a long and slightly angular finish. It is not quite ready to go and will be best enjoyed when those tannins have settled, ideally with roast turkey.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher