A Savoury South Australian Blend from the Henschke Estate

My Wine Man on Henschke

Henschke’s connection to Eden Valley is central to its identity, with Mount Edelstone’s single-vineyard history stretching back to 1952. Keyneton Euphonium offers a different perspective on the estate: rather than focusing on one vineyard and one variety, it brings together complementary grapes and regions. The appeal is in the balance, with generous fruit given definition by herbal detail, savoury complexity and fine tannins.

The 2022 is a blend of 59% Shiraz, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot, sourced 60% from Eden Valley and 40% from the Barossa. Its expressive plum and black fruit are threaded with sage, bay leaf and olive tapenade. This is a wine for those who enjoy richness with a savoury edge, rather than fruit alone.

Tasting Notes

Expressive plum aromas open into layers of spice, dried herbs, sage and bay leaf, with blackberry pastille adding a darker fruit note. Tobacco leaf, olive tapenade and earth bring a distinctly savoury dimension. On the palate, pure black fruits are joined by gentle nutty oak tones, while fine, silty tannins give the wine shape without obscuring its fruit. A vibrant line of freshness keeps the flavours lively and the overall impression balanced.

Style & Drinking Window

A dry, medium- to full-bodied red blend with generous dark fruit, fine tannins and an engaging herbal character. Our suggested drinking window is 2026–2035, depending on storage and whether you prefer vibrant fruit or more developed savoury notes. Begin with a 45–60 minute decant and taste as it opens. Serve at around 16–18°C to keep the fruit expressive and the freshness clear.

Food Pairing

The plummy black fruit, dried herbs and savoury depth of the 2022 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium make it a natural match for Australian Frozen Grass-Fed Cape Grim Rib-Eye Steak from My Meat Man. The wine’s blackberry and plum flavours complement the rib-eye’s rich, juicy texture, while its sage, bay leaf and earthy notes echo the savoury character of a well-browned crust. Fine, silty tannins and vibrant freshness bring balance to the pairing, whether charcoal-grilled, pan-seared with rosemary, or reverse-seared and finished in a hot skillet.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$339, Keyneton Euphonium is a considered way to explore Henschke’s blending style. Four varieties and fruit from both Eden Valley and the Barossa give it more than a single flavour register: ripe plum and black fruit sit alongside herbs, olive and earthy detail. Its fine tannins make it an appealing dinner-table choice, while the combination of fruit and freshness offers scope for further development with careful cellaring.

Looking for a Different Style?

2020 St Hallett Butchers Cart Shiraz: a generous Shiraz with ripe blackberry, plum and exotic spice.

2016 Grant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz: concentrated black fruit, chocolate and liquorice, with a supple, full-bodied profile.

2018 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon: a more Cabernet-led direction with raspberry, pomegranate and saline savoury detail.