1996 Henschke Keyneton Estate Shiraz Cabernet Merlot

This wine is named after Joseph Keynes who was an early English pioneer and settled at Keyneton in 1842. Made from a blend of 65% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, the wine was matured in a combination of new and seasoned American and French oak hogsheads for 15 months. After two drought years, the 1996 vintage saw a near perfect growing season which resulted in yields 20% above average. The cooler conditions experienced during this vintage also allowed for a long, slow ripening period which resulted in very good flavour development in the grapes.A beautifully made wine with real finesse. Opaque crimson colour with mauve edges. Earthy, spice, plum, blackcurrant and liquorice nose, which is very aromatic and immediately appealing. In spite of the palate being a little lighter in weight than many of its Australian counterparts, the flavours are concentrated and mouthfilling with mulberry, chocolate, liquorice and spice being dominant, followed by an earthy end note. Fine grained tannins, well balanced with very long earthy, plum and liquorice aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years.