Henschke 'Hill of Grace' Shiraz 2015
A significant vintage for Hill of Grace, as the last 2015 red to leave the Henschke cellar, and a wine that delivers on every ounce of its promise and then some. ‑The nose is so complex and fragrant with trademark brown spices taking center stage, amid light espresso, sage leaves, blackberries, cinnamon, anise, orange peel, ripe dark plums, pepper, gun smoke and a gentle, dried-rose edge. Th‑e palate has such impressive layers of fine tannin that make an instantly seamless, powerful and focused impression. It has architectural style with clean lines that build and ascend out of the finish. Long, spiced blackberries and dark plums are extruded in formation with such finesse and power. Th‑e acidity holds a torch to the rich, ripe plums and blackberries, illuminating freshness at the finish. A wine that will develop in a very consistent manner and likely to be at its best some 20 years from now. A collector’s dream. 100 Points - Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, 28 April 2020
There’s intriguing darkness and complexity in a heady perfume of measured black fruits and dried sage, unfurling layers of juicy cranberry, Chinese five spice and black pepper. Th‑ere’s open-hearted generosity on the palate, although firm, fine tannins provide a sturdy frame … And there’s also a luscious silky texture, with bright acidity and tannins ensuring sustained tension, without intruding on the extraordinary long flavours. Such precise balance shows the potential for excellent ageing. 98 Points. David Sly, decanter.com, 20 April 2020
Great shiraz does not have to be black as night, it does not have to be dense and it certainly does not have to be bold. Th‑is wine is much more syrah than shiraz, in a savoury, understated style. It is aromatically elegant, subtle and complex with baked earth, spice, aged meat, bay leaf and dark cherry fruits… Despite its subtlety the wine is also concentrated and vibrant, particularly on the palate with quite ample tannins. Th‑ere is an Hermitage-like minerality, balance and strength on the palate with charcoal complexity shining through on a muscular finish. A really fascinating and surprising expression of Henschke’s Hill of Grace vineyard. Wonderful wine. 97 Points. Angus Hughson, winepilot.com, 27 April 2020
The acclaimed Henschke family, foundation members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, was one of the pioneering families of South Australia when Johann Christian Henschke migrated from Silesia (Germany in 1841). Each generation has contributed to the legend with fourth generation Cyril Henschke pioneering varietal, single-vineyard wines in the 1950s, most famously Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace Shiraz. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen and his viticulturist wife Prue have won many awards for their talent, innovation and integration of vineyard and winery. They lead the way with environmental, biodynamic and organic principles. Henschke wines are handcrafted and deeply personal, reflecting the unique terroir of vineyards: the wine names tell either a personal story of the family or the cultural history of their region.
