Hill of Grace is surely one of the most evocative phrases in the world of wine. It is a translation from the German ‘Gnadenberg’, a region in Silesia, and the name given to the lovely Lutheran church that overlooks the vineyard. The 4ha single-vineyard shiraz planting is situated at the historic village of Parrot Hill 4km north-west of Henschke Cellars.
Drinking Window: 1997-2037
Vineyard Notes
In our viticulture today we are blessed to be able to apply the practical wisdom and knowledge passed down from past generations alongside the benefits of our international learnings and research. In a dry-grown vineyard on its own roots, Prue has observed the benefits of mulching, composting and the use of permanent swards including native grasses, to build up the health of soils and preserve soil moisture.
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Vintage Notes
The lead-up to the 1992 vintage saw a late wet winter, although the yearly rainfall was 50mm below average. The mild spring was ideal for flowering and encouraged excellent berry set. A long, dry, cool summer with the coolest January on record delayed harvest. Despite the predictions being just above average, actual yields were only 10% less than the big 1990 vintage.
Ageing
Matured in 85% French and 15% American (29% new, 71% seasoned) hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.
Producer tasting notes: "Deep garnet in colour. The nose exudes aromas of ripe blackberries and plums, cinnamon spice and lavender with supporting notes of black pepper, beef stock and soy. The palate is plush and sweetly fruited between layers of well-structured acidity and grainy, chewy tannin, providing a long, elegant finish that is mature but still holding strong." - Henschke
