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 northwest of Henschke Cellars.
Cyril Henschke created the first Hill of Grace in 1958 from Shiraz vines at Hill of Grace vineyard, up to 100 years old. The exceptional quality of the wine combined with the charm of the name captured the imagination of consumers.
Matured in 20% new and 80% seasoned (83% French, 17% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.
Vintage Description
A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that the vines grew well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer led to the potential for nearaverage yields. Late December became warm and dry, ensuring healthy canopies with low disease pressure. The summer months of January and February were typically warm and dry, characterised by above-average overnight temperatures. The old-vine vineyards coped well with the warm nights, their deep roots able to withstand the warming and drying effect on the topsoil, maturing the balanced crops as autumn approached. March and April provided light and warmth to the Eden Valley which led to full and balanced maturity being achieved across all grape varieties. With warm sunny days and cool nights, the dry autumn guaranteed that pristinely healthy grapes arrived in the fermenters. All in all, the 2018 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade. Shiraz was certainly one of the highlights of the season, fittingly so in the year we celebrated our 150th anniversary of family winemaking.
Drinking Window: 2023-2053
Critic tasting note: "Released for this renowned, family-run winery's 150th anniversary, the latest Grace vintage is luscious with layers of aroma and flavor. Plump blueberry, plum and cherry preserves at the core are underpinned by dried mint, cedar, earthy spice, melted chocolate and vanilla bean. Henschke's signature tightrope walk of power and restraint shows on the silky palate, where fine, savory tannins support supple fruit, which pulses to a long finish. To this reviewer's taste, the cooler vintages of Grace offer more energy and personality, but 2018 will nonetheless be a classic wine for decades to come." - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast
