Global Masters Wine of the Week: Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz from Barossa

Every week we select a wine that picked up either a Gold or Master from our competition series, and tell you why the judges loved it. Enter the Global Masters and this could be your wine.

It has been an incredibly tough season for the winemakers of south Australia, with brutal wildfires that have given the industry at large pause for thought.

A map of the affected areas which was updated today shows that wineries from McLaren Vale to Hunter are all under threat.

Fundraisers have been set up across the world to help those businesses that have had vines or facilities destroyed by the bushfires. One of the best ways you can help is by donating to the Red Cross’ disaster relief and recovery service. Another is by buying the remaining stocks from affected producers.

That is why we’re using this week’s column to shine a light on a Barossa red that won a Gold in one of our most recent competitions.

Henschke is one of the biggest names in the Adelaide Hills. Today, fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue are at the helm, while sixth generation family member Johann is also working in the winery.

But this year its Lenswood vineyard, with the region’s oldest Pinot Noir vines planted in 1983, was destroyed in the fires, along with has also lost both of its sheds, machinery and vineyard equipment.

Stephen and Prue said that damage to their property has been “significant” and will “require a long-term replanting plan”.

This is a beautiful blend made from predominantly Shiraz grapes. The fruit comes from vines that are up to 50-year-old vines grown in the Eden and Barossa Valleys. Some were planted by Cyril Henschke himself at the Eden Valley property in the 1960s.

The judges fell in love with this “good grown up Aussie style wine”, with a gently inviting nose displaying notes of hay as well as sweet ripe red fruit.

On the palate, one judge deemed this a “big, alcoholic, juicy’ red, both warming and held together with firm tannins, which is everything we could want in a Barossa Shiraz. Although juicy red and blackcurrant were a big feature, but supported by herbal flavours of mint, dried grass, and even a touch of meat.

This is undoubtedly a wine for the dinner table, and we suggest giving that minty note something to complement.

With its herbal notes, high acidity, enveloping tannins, and generous mouthfeel, this is a perfect wine for cold weather and red meat. Try serving this with a rack of lamb, or, if you’re attempting Veganuary this month, some lightly spiced roasted root vegetables.

The wine: Keyneton Euphonium 2015 from Henschke

The source: Barossa and Eden Valleys, Australia

The grape(s): Syrah (66%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (5%)

ABV: 14.5%

Ageing: 18 months in 20% new and 80% seasoned French oak hogsheads.

The style: A dry, barrel-aged, warm red with herbal notes and juicy red  and black fruits

The winemaker: Paul Hampton

The price: £42

The medal: Gold – The Syrah Masters 2019

Click here to find out more about our 2019 Syrah competition.

With high quality judges and a unique sampling process, the Global Wine Masters provides a chance for your wines to star, whether they hail from the great vineyards of Europe or lesser-known corners of the New World.

It’s a competition dedicated to making winners out of winemakers.

Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or please call +44 (0)20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com

Ways you can help

Wine lovers are being encouraged to buy up remaining stocks of wines from affected regions. In addition, many Adelaide Hills wineries have organised their own fundraising initiatives.

Industry body Adelaide Hills Wine Region has now set up an official Go Fund Me page to support those wineries affected.

You can find the link here.