Product Info:
The coming of age of the 1995 Hill of Grace is the stuff of fairy tale. Once overlooked, this wine has evolved into something truly exceptional. Tasted again in 2023, it earned a near-perfect 99 points from Huon Hooke, a remarkable leap of eleven points from a decade prior. It’s a testament to the magic that patience can bring. Exquisitely scents of mountain florals, blackberry and smoked charcuterie. The palate is satin-like, seamless and harmonious for an eternity. A true showstopper for any occasion.
Comprised of 100% shiraz grapes from pre-phylloxera material brought from Europe by the early settlers in the mid-1800s and grown on the Hill of Grace vineyard in the Eden Valley. Matured in new French and American hogsheads for 21 months prior to blending and bottling.
Over 180 years ago, Johann Christian Henschke came from Silesia to settle and build his farm in the Eden Valley region. By the time third-generation Paul Alfred Henschke took over the reins in 1914, the now famed Hill of Grace vines were more than 50 years old. The original vines, known as the ‘Grandfathers’, were planted around 1860 by an ancestor, Nicolaus Stanitzki, in rich alluvial soil in a shallow fertile valley just north-west of the Henschke family winery. The red-brown earth grading to deep silty loam has excellent moisture-holding capacity for these dry-grown vines, that sit at an altitude of 400m, with an average rainfall of 520mm. Hill of Grace is a unique, delineated, historic single vineyard that lies opposite a beautiful old Lutheran church.
Maker:
The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.
The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today.
Vineyard:
The adverse weather conditions, drought, frosts and a dry spring and summer reduced the crops of all varieties. Despite reduced yields of up to 40%, the 1995 vintage produced high quality wines.
Nose - Blackberries, Plum, Exotic Mountain Florals
The bouquet is exquisitely scented, recalling roasted meats, smoked charcuterie, and a wide range of herbs
Palate - Layered, Blackcurrant, Dutch Liquorice
The palate is rich and smooth as satin, with tremendous persistence and breath-taking harmony.
Finish - Fine Tannins, Sage Oil, Long Finish
Hints of sage oil and fresh menthol, more evolved than many in its category, very rich yet structured.
A wine of extraordinary charm and complexity, now in the full glory of maturity. The bouquet is exquisitely scented, recalling roasted meats, smoked charcuterie, and a wide range of herbs including thyme, oregano and sage. The palate is rich and smooth as satin, with tremendous persistence and breath-taking harmony. An utterly gorgeous wine. (Difficult to reconcile with the bottle tasted a decade ago) - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 99 Points.
Tasted 2013. Youthful crimson. Well-knit, rosy nose. More evolved than many and very rich yet structured. Reminds me a little of the wonderful 1986. You can see Australia here but with great finesse. Super clean. - Drink 2012-2040, Jancis Robinson, 19/20.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 1995
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.8%
Closure - Cork
