Grape Variety:
99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot grown on the Cyril Henschke Vineyard on the Henschke Eden Valley property, managed with organic and biodynamic practices.

Maturation:
Matured in 8% new and 92% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Wine Description:
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.

Background:
This wine carries the name of Stephen’s father, fourth-generation winemaker Cyril Henschke (1924–1979), a tribute to one of Australia’s outstanding winemaking pioneers.
Cyril planted Cabernet Sauvignon at the Eden Valley property in the late 1960s. These vines, along with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, are planted on a north-facing slope and managed with organic and biodynamic practices. First released in 1978 as a single-vineyard wine, Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the depth, complexity and fine-grained tannins of this special site.

Vintage Description:
Average winter rainfall in 2020 was followed by even budburst. Frost damage was significant. Spring brought clouds and good pre-flowering rains, but late-flowering varieties suffered due to heat in late November and wind in early December.
January was dry until perfectly timed rain at veraison in February. The coolest summer in 19 years was followed by a warm autumn, yielding excellent colour, flavour, and tannin maturity.
2021 is considered a standout vintage of the decade, comparable to 1986 and 2002, producing complex wines with exceptional varietal expression and purity.

Cellaring Potential:
Exceptional vintage; 30+ years (from vintage). Reviewed June 2024

Alc/Vol: 14.5%