Henschke’s cabernet sauvignon label carries the name Cyril Henschke (1924–1979) as a tribute to one of Australia’s outstanding winemaking pioneers, renowned for the production of varietal table wines, with the accent on quality and flavour. Cyril Henschke planted cabernet sauvignon at Eden Valley in the 1960s.
Stephen and Prue, 5th generation husband and wife curators, make an inspiring viticulturist & winemaker duo and together are responsible for such famed wines as Hill of Grace, Mt Edelstone, Cyril Henschke, and more. Recently rated Australia's top Shiraz by James Halliday, the Hill of Grace is front & center of Australia's most coveted reds. The Henschke portfolio is well-worth exploring – each wine individually showcases Prue's intensely focused care in the vineyards and Stephen's intensely focused care in the winery.
After one of the worst droughts in history the soil moisture profile and dams were lower than at the start of winter. Spring was frosty and windy but not overly wet. The frosts in October were bad news for many, although the rains were at least strategic, which resulted in better fruitset than the previous year. The hot, dry and windy weather during summer stressed the vines severely, reducing the berry size and crop. A serious rain event occurred in late February causing some fruit split.
2003 must surely go down on record as being one of the hottest, driest and windiest summers in the Eden Valley area, leading to a smaller vintage of potentially very good quality.
Deep crimson in colour. Sweet ripe aromas of cassis, cedar, plums and violets with hints of vanilla and cigar box. The palate shows sweet ripe, luscious juicy fruit; fleshy and with good concentration. Layers of flavours, supple tannins, excellent depth and length.
