1990 Henschke Lenswood Abbotts Prayer Vineyard

BY NEAL MARTIN | OCTOBER 21, 2024

The 1990 Lenswood Abbotts Prayer Vineyard from Henschke is a rare old bird. I found little information on this wine, even from Henschke’s website, except that the vineyard was a majority Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot. Fortunately, I know a man who knows more about Australian wine than me. “Abbotts Prayer is an Adelaide Hills (Lenswood) Merlot/Cabernet blend, with maybe 1989 the first vintage,” my Vinous colleague Angus Hughson explained. “It was a regular release for a couple of decades. A 2019 was produced, but bushfires razed the vineyard just before Christmas that year, including the Merlot, which I think was replanted with Cabernet Sauvignon. So, it will probably return in around five years, but possibly with more Cabernet Sauvignon. They may create a different label.”

It shows a little bricking on the rim but holds on to its garnet core. The bouquet is very seductive, with red fruits and hints of dusty red bricks. It is soft and mellow, with just a trace of camphor. This is pretty ethereal in style, and there’s something almost Tuscan about these aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied, with aniseed-tinged red berry fruit mixed with cola. Maybe it lacks a bit of grip? Its tannins are light and fully polymerized, yet there is wonderful harmony and drinkability. Based on this bottle, the 1990 will provide another decade of drinking pleasure. It's just a delicious, mature Aussie Cabernet blend. 92/Drink 2024-2035.

© 2024, Vinous. No portion of this article may be copied, shared or re-distributed without prior consent from Vinous. Doing so is not only a violation of our copyright, but also threatens the survival of independent wine criticism.