Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The 40th anniversary of the first vintage of this wine, named after Stephen Henschke’s father, fourth-generation winemaker Cyril, who first planted this Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1969. And in warmer years, like 2018, the ‘solar panel’ slopes of this cooler site shows what fully ripened Eden Valley Cabernet can offer. Rich purple and inky blue fruits soar from the glass: cassis, mulberry, violets and an almost pine forest-like ozone freshness that brings lift and clarity to the sumptuous palate. Beautiful length, elegance and purity, with smooth graphite-like tannins and vibrant acidity. With no 2017 produced, this is worth the wait; a fitting toast to Cyril. Drinking window: 2023-2040. Part of Henschke 2018: Single-vineyard releases. Score – 97. (Tina Gellie, decanter.com, March 28, 2023)