2019 Henschke Abbotts Prayer Merlot Cabernet 750ml Gift Box

A complex and textural palate, with layers of dark briar berries and spice over tamarillo and cedar, excellent balance and depth, and long, fine-grained, elegant tannins.

GRAPES/BLEND 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the Henschke Lenswood Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, managed using organic and biodynamic practices.

PH 3.6 ACID (G/L) 5.7 g/L

MATURATION

Matured in 21% new and 79% seasoned French hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2019 provided generally good growing conditions for the Adelaide Hills, with three notable events: the coldest September on record, the wettest November since 2005 and a mini heat wave on the cusp of January/February that the Adelaide Hills rode out extremely well due to good canopy cover. A rapid progression in berry maturation was kick-started by the Harvest Moon falling right on the spring Equinox, with all varieties ripening at the same time. Hand-harvesting was done in three weeks, bookended by the early sparkling and late red varieties. Yields were down by 20-50% due to 'hen and chicken' (berries of different sizes) from the cold, wet period during flowering, however quality was exceedingly good in both white and red varieties as a result of better ripening conditions. The standout varieties were the later ripening ones, in particular Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showing beautiful expression of varietal character and above average yields for two varieties that can be fairly challening to grow in the cool Lenswood climate. CELLARING POTENTIAL 25+ years from vintage.