Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2019
- 94
- $66
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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This Barossa blend of Shiraz (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (11%) and Cabernet Franc (12%) is always a joy, though it can be a touch burly in its very early days, and this latest release is no exception. It spends 18 months is a mix of new (17%) and seasoned hogsheads (83%), of which 80% is French and 20% American. The vines are up to 50 years in age. A plummy purple colour, we have notes of spices, herbs, hints of leather, aniseed, bay leaves, mulberries and a lovely core of chocolate. The palate is more austere than the nose might suggest, at this early stage with firm, abundant tannins, good focus and impressive length. This is a ten year plus proposition and certainly will benefit from any time you can give it before you open a bottle.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
