RARE DEAL: Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2022

While most Barossa Shiraz focuses purely on power, the Keyneton Euphonium showcases Henschke's masterful blending philosophy by incorporating complementary varietals that add complexity and elegance. The inclusion of herbs like sage and the Dutch cocoa notes suggest careful vineyard selection and winemaking techniques that preserve aromatics often lost in heavy-handed Barossa reds. This approach creates a wine that maintains the region's signature boldness while offering the finesse that has made Henschke legendary for over 150 years.

The dual 96-point ratings from James Suckling and Wine Pilot reflect exceptional vintage conditions and Henschke's ability to capture them perfectly. The 2022 growing season in Barossa Valley provided ideal ripening conditions that allowed the fruit to develop intense concentration while retaining natural acidity - a balance that's crucial for age-worthy wines. Critics are particularly impressed by how the wine manages to be immediately approachable yet structured enough for long-term cellaring, a combination that's increasingly rare in modern Australian winemaking.

Decant this wine 30-60 minutes before serving to allow the concentrated dark fruits and spice elements to fully express themselves. Serve at 16-18°C to highlight the fine-grained tannin structure and prevent the alcohol warmth from dominating. The wine's full-bodied nature and complex spice profile make it perfect for rich dishes like slow-cooked lamb, aged beef, or even dark chocolate desserts where the Dutch cocoa notes can create beautiful flavour bridges.

This Euphonium presents a delightful dilemma - it's drinking beautifully now with its approachable fruit-forward character, yet has the structural integrity to reward patience for 10-15 years. The vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins suggest it will develop additional complexity, with the current blackberry and vanilla notes likely evolving into more savoury, earthy characteristics. If you're buying multiple bottles, enjoy one now to appreciate its youthful exuberance, then cellar the rest to experience how Henschke's wines transform with age.

The herbaceous bay leaf notes and baking spices make this wine exceptional with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and slow-cooked preparations. Try it with herb-crusted rack of lamb, where the bay leaf echoes the rosemary and thyme, or with rich beef bourguignon where the wine's spice complexity complements the dish's aromatic base. The vanilla undertones also make it surprisingly good with aged hard cheeses or even spiced dark chocolate, creating unexpected but harmonious flavour combinations that showcase the wine's versatility.