Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 1996 is a distinguished Australian blend celebrated for its exceptional complexity and refined elegance. This premium wine showcases a harmonious mix of 65% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot, sourced from a carefully curated private cellar. The 1996 vintage benefited from an average winter rainfall following two drought years, coupled with a mild spring and a dry, cool but windy summer. These ideal growing conditions allowed for a long, slow ripening period that enhanced flavor concentration and balance in the grapes.

Visually, the wine presents a deep crimson colour that invites exploration. On the nose, it reveals a sweet, fragrant bouquet dominated by ripe raspberries, blackberries, and plums, beautifully underpinned by layers of perfumed silky vanilla oak, coconut, cedar, and subtle violet notes. The palate is complex and inviting, offering a soft, rich, and fleshy texture with a slight sappy character. Well-integrated acidity supports the wine’s structure, culminating in a long and elegant finish framed by gentle, dusty fine tannins.

Named in tribute to Joseph Keynes, an early English pioneer who settled in Keyneton in 1842 and inspired the village’s name, this wine reflects both tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. The Adelaide Hills region, known for its cool-climate viticulture, provides an excellent terroir that enhances the wine’s depth and aromatic profile.

Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 1996 stands as an outstanding example of a vintage marked by optimal weather patterns that allowed for superior flavour development and concentration. This wine offers a refined expression of classic Australian Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a coveted collector’s item and a showcase of premium winemaking.