Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2022

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, cabernet franc and merlot 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 community, and home to the Henschke Family Brass Band and Henschke Winery.

The band was founded in 1888 by second-generation Paul Gotthard Henschke and later led by third-generation Paul Alfred Henschke, featuring wonderful wind instruments such as a B flat euphonium, cornet and E flat clarinet. The B flat euphonium was produced by the famous Zimmermann factory in Leipzig, Germany, in the late 19th century. The instruments were imported by musical entrepreneur, Carl Engel of Adelaide in the late 1800s and have been lovingly restored to remain in the care of the Henschke family.

Above average 2021 winter rainfall helped to refill soil profiles and the cool, slow start to the growing season resulted in bud-burst occurring slightly later than average. A frost event occurred on 11 October, followed by an extreme hail event on 28 October, and the cold and wet weather in mid-November coincided with flowering, which impacted fruit-set and potential yields. December and January provided a burst of summer heat, however at the beginning of vintage another severe weather event dealt a deluge of rain and even more hail to some parts of the region. While mild and dry conditions followed, the cumulative impacts of the season’s weather events resulted in lower yields across the region. The 2022 wines show great aromatics, balance of acidity and a bright core of flavour.

2022 vintage saw a blend of 59% Shiraz, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot. 60% Eden Valley, 40% Barossa Valley. Harvested between the 22nd of March & 3rd of May. Exceptional vintage. Matured in 20% new French oak hogsheads and 80% Seasoned French & American oak hogsheads for 20 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 25+ years