Medium red-purple; the bouquet is a little reluctant to part with its secrets but the palate has no such scruples with its stream of juicy cassis and blackcurrant that courses through the length of the medium-bodied palate both oak and tannins playing a positive role. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc.

The 2008 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon is a product of severe vineyard selection with 75% of the fruit being left to hang that year as the heat-wave set-in. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon 5.5% Merlot and 5.5% Cabernet franc it offers a deep garnet-purple color with aromas of black currant cordial capsicum toasted nuts sauteed herbs and cedar. Ripe rich full bodied and with good concentration it has enlivening acid firm chewy tannins finishing long. Drink it now to 2017+. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown