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
10 Comments
A bit of a polarising winery at times it seems (at least as far its great reputation goes). Personally, I absolutely love Mt Edelstone, but perhaps similar to you AG, I'm not always sure about some of their not so premium wines
I'm a fan of Mt Ed too (and really love the rare taste of Cyril Cabernet) but the cheaper wines all often promise more (and cost in excess of) what they deliver. Keyneton (or Euphonium) is the perfect example…
The Tetsuya's of Australian wine at the moment?
Couldn't agree more with the reviews and sentiments expressed above (which doesn't make any of us right, but is cause for concern when it comes to such a highly regarded winery, not to mention one whose profile is rather important when it comes to Australian wine).
What do you normally think of Julius Riesling Andrew?
I'm usually a fan, and in fact an '02 tasted recently is close to the best Australian Riesling I've tried.
Consistently unimpressed by the Euphonium. Also thought that the great '06 Mt Edelstone was a bit too raisin-like for my liking.
MichaelC
Have never had a Henschke white, but agree re Euphonium. For five years now, I've thought it about $10 overpriced.
Michael – have had a few vintages of Julius, it's normally a little on the riper, less classical side for mine. Can't remember the 02 but I reckon it would be a great wine too.
As for the Euphonium, I think it has always just looked a little un-Henschke like, with a quality level not quite up to the label standard. Recent vintages have looked particularly ordinary…
Agree with your sentiment AG. Henschke is a producer we regularly work with, and adore their passion and enthusiasm. They do have a very large portfolio of wines and sometimes there are wines which I think dont deliver as one would expect from Henschke. But at the same time there are wines which I think are sensational – and I'm not necessarily talking HOG.
I would be inclined to cut the portfolio and not try to be all things to all punters.
I'm writing from Los Angeles, I just received and bottle of 2010 Henschke Keyneton Euphorium, can you tell me about it and what the rating is?
Thank you. Lauren
Hi Lauren – good vintage 2010 and it is in strong form. A solid 91 or 92 point wine