96 Points James Halliday — 20 Years in Bottle, Drinking Magnificently

96pts James Halliday — one of Australia's most celebrated red blends, now 20 years old and drinking magnificently. The Keyneton Euphonium is Henschke's signature multi-varietal blend from the Barossa and Eden Valleys, built on old-vine Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc woven through. The 2004 vintage was exceptional across South Australia — a wine that has had two decades to find its voice.

The Henschke Story

Henschke is one of Australia's great family wine dynasties, farming vines in the Eden Valley since 1868. The Keyneton Euphonium takes its name from the town of Keyneton — a nod to the estate's deep roots in this landscape. Winemaker Stephen Henschke and viticulturist Prue Henschke have spent decades perfecting the art of blending across their estate vineyards, and the Euphonium is the expression of that craft at its most generous and complex.

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet with a brick rim — the hallmark of a wine entering its prime. Aromas of dark plum, dried herbs, cedar, and leather with a whisper of dark chocolate and spice. The palate is full-bodied and seamlessly integrated, with fine-grained tannins, a long savoury finish, and the kind of complexity that only comes with 20 years in bottle. 96 Points — James Halliday.

Drinking Window

Drinking beautifully now through 2030+. Decant for 30–45 minutes to open fully. A rare opportunity to drink a mature Henschke at its peak.

Food Pairing

A 20-year-aged 96-point Henschke deserves a centre-of-the-plate cut to match. We love it with Australian Grass-Fed Cape Grim Rib-Eye Steak from My Meat Man — dry-aged and char-grilled medium-rare with a knob of bone-marrow butter, the rich marbling and beefy depth are a magnificent match for the Keyneton's plum, dried herb, leather and dark chocolate complexity. A pairing built for the most considered occasion.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

Mature Australian red blends at this quality level are increasingly hard to find. At HK$749, the 2004 Keyneton Euphonium offers extraordinary value — a 96-point wine with 20 years of cellaring already done for you. Perfect for a special occasion or a serious collector looking to fill gaps in their cellar.

Looking for a Different Style?

Explore more from Henschke: 2018 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium (95pts Halliday, same wine, current drinking), 2018 Henschke Johann's Garden GSM (95pts, Grenache-led Rhône blend), or 2011 Cullen Diana Madeline (97pts, biodynamic Margaret River Cabernet at peak maturity).