Wobbles from Henschke
I know I can be a grumpy bastard, and these three surely aren’t the finest wines that Henschke produces, but the following releases are more than a little disappointing for what is considered to be one of our finest makers…
Henschke Julius Riesling 2010 (Eden Valley, SA) 12% alc
With an open, slatey and typically sherbety Eden nose, it’s very correct and regional, if built rather full and ripe this year. The palate follows with a sense of fullness, juicy fruit and upfront flavours that are certainly pleasant, but hardly scream serious wine. A good drink still, though not for the long haul. 17/90
Henschke Louis Semillon 2009 (Eden Valley, SA) 12% alc
This could perhaps be more of a personal taste thing, or it could just be an awkward stage, but I didn’t love this. Hay, straw and open developing fruit on the nose in a form that looks rather advanced for it’s relative youth, the palate has grippy phenolics but falls away through the finish all too quickly. Not quite. 16.4/88
Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2008 (Barossa, SA) 14.5% alc
Such a hard vintage and really showing here. Warm, forward and coconut oak laced nose with oak the most attractive feature. Palate shows lots of spicy fruit, plenty of oak sheen and some lightly drying tannins, though it still feels short and a little lifeless. $20 worth of wine, not $45. 16.2/87
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