Henschke Hill of Grace 2018 750ml

A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that the vines grow well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer led to the potential for near average 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. Shier was certainly one of the highlights of the season, fittingly so in the year we celebrated our 150th anniversary of family

The 2018 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz is the 80th release of this iconic wine. 100% shiraz from pre-phylloxera material brought from Europe in the mid-1800s and grown on the Henschke Hill of Grace Vineyard in the Eden Valley wine region, managed with organic and biodynamic practices. Matured in 20% new and 80% seasoned (83% French, 17% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Deep ruby with ruby hues Ethereal and exotic aromas of blackberry and blood plum with five spice star anise, clove, fennel seed, cinnamon and black pepper, and more subtle hints of bay leaf and crushed flowering herbs. The palate is plush, deep, complex and powerful, with a core of supple blackberry and blueberry fruit laden with spice and pepper, and beautifully balanced by fine acidity resolving into a long and elegant finish of rolling, velvety tannins. In the correct conditions, this wine could be cellared for 35+ years from vintage  

Beautifully balanced with voluminous blackberry, mulberry elderberry roasted chestnut flavours, lovely fine grained and loose knit tannins, superb volume, and integrated acidity. Finishes firm and minerally long. A superb young wine. Destined to become a classic vintage. - Andrew Caillard MW, 100 Points