In the shadow of Grace.
The 2015 Henschke Hill of Grace was recently released with much fanfare. Good vintage conditions and one of the truly great single vineyard wines of Australia, it deserves the high praise. At over $700+ AUS, it certainly commands high value.
Today is a throw back to Henschke’s other great wine, the Cyril. Forever the bridesmaid, this Clare Valley Cabernet is exceptional, and compared to the Hill of Grace, well priced.
We opened this bottle in 2016 and it was at its peak. 2002 was a cool vintage and the wines developed early. Some of the Cyril’s from good vintages age for decades.
As the marching band parades the Grace, I think the Cyril deserves a nod, without the pomp and the price tag, a great wine.
Tasting notes from October, 2016.
75% Cabernet Sauvignon
12.5% Cabernet Franc
12.5% Merlot
Decanted for 30 minutes.
Deep brick red with a clearing rim. The colour is showing its age. Developed leather notes, dried flower and herbs dominate the nose. The fruit is now tertiary, dried berries. There is savoury tobacco adding a further element of interest. On the palate, the acid is integrated, perhaps a little faded, yet the wine is in beautiful balance. There are dried herbs and dried fruits, with soft lingering tannins.
A wine that has had a great run.
93 pts.
Drink now.
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