Medium garnet in color, the 2010 Shiraz Hill of Grace reveals a slightly reticent yet beguiling nose of kirsch, dried mulberries and plum preserves with nuances of star anise, potpourri, cloves, dusty earth and menthol. Medium to full-bodied with youthfully taut, mouth-filling perfumed berry preserves and exotic spice flavors, the fruit is well framed by rounded, polished tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredible length. It could still benefit from 2-4 years in bottle before entering its drinking window but is already stunning.
The 2010 vintage will be remembered as one of the most perfect renditions of this single site planted to vines dating back to 1860. The signature spice and sage leaf are here. It's bursting with an array of dark brown spice aromas and pepper. The fruits run from raspberry to deep blackberry, cassis and blueberry fruits. Blue plums too. The palate is immensely smooth and soft. It floats with richness yet lightness. The balance is superb and the finish runs so long and deep. It goes on seemingly endlessly, saturated in old vine Shiraz flavour yet perfectly poised. This is the Eden Valley equivalent of Burgundy's Le Chambertin, a a bottomless well of flavour, elegant yet profoundly powerful and the finest release yet in a superb run of recent vintages. (Suckling)
This sings like a chorus that never runs out of breath. Layers of currant and dark plum fruit harmonize with black walnut, licorice, smoke and coffee notes, weaving through the long and immensely expressive finish. Has depth and great presence. Shiraz. Best from 2018 through 2030. 25 cases imported.
First made in 1958, Australia’s most famous single vineyard wine was originally planted during the 1860s by Nicolaus Stanitzki, a Henschke ancestor. A fine, intricate web of tannins harnesses equally intricate layers of flavour which build steadily. Juniper, dried herbs, liquorice, charcuterie and a hint of eucalyptus is filled out by sweet, juicy briar on the attack, creamy, mocha-edged framboise to the mid-palate and deep set, very persistent blackcurrant. Very long, and very fluid.
This embryonic 2010 Shiraz Hill of Grace is classically proportioned and built for the long haul. It shows wonderful intensity, precision and fruit focus as blackberry, graphite, black olive and coal fire aromas slowly emerge in the glass - each perfectly proportioned. It's then firm and compact, still tightly wound with a deep reserve of muscular tannins that drive an exceptionally long, drying and sustained finish. This is a benchmark vintage.
Is this the Yin to Grange's Yang? The wines are completely different, yet almost always destined to be discussed together. The 2010 HoG is aromatic and bright, with raspberry and cranberry fruit notes, hints of mint and a pinch of peppery spice. It's full-bodied, but with elegant, supple tannins that ease gently into a long, crisp finish. Drink now–2030.
Winery Notes
Dark crimson in color, with deep garnet hues. A concentrated array of aromas of mulberry, blackberry and dark plum indicate the richness to come, while savory and complex notes of charcuterie, cedar, sage and five spice tease the senses. Plush and velvety on the palate, the wine has intense fruit concentration with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise flavors, yet an enchantingly elegant and refined structure. Layers of silky tannins reveal the impressive depth of the wine before giving way to an incredibly long finish.