Henschke

Written By Angus Hughson

Henschke 2022 Single Vineyard Collection - Celebrating 70 Vintages of Mount Edelstone

By Andrew Caillard MW

Henschke’s 2022 Single Vineyard Collection, marking the 70th vintage of Henschke Mouth Edelstone, is a transformative release where the transparency of the vineyards, the stature of the vines, and the character of the growing season all combine to tell the story of the vintage.  The purity, resonance and expressive characters that appear in the wines reveal the essence and genius of vineyard site. While this is by no means a perfect year, it is a defining one because the vines have delivered a crop that profoundly express their origin, their age and their place.

The 2021/2022 growing season was not without its challenges with cool weather delaying growth and a hailstorm battering young shoots. A burst of warm weather over summer, beneficial late January rains and mild dry conditions into harvest time allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly. But the tannins only reached ever-so-near-phenolic maturity. A gentle grip on the palate is a feature of the single vineyard red wines. And it is offset exquisitely with purity and density. Maturation in seasoned (or primarily seasoned oak) has led to wines with lovely volume and completeness. 

Winemaking is distinctly laissez faire. No better example is the 2022 Henschke Hil of Grace. It is the vineyard laid bare – a tribute to the extraordinary work of Prue Henschke and her team over the last forty years. There is no signature-style winemaking to be seen; not a grain of new oak flavouring or manipulation. The vineyard is seemingly in control. The vines, through epigenetic adaptation, have stumped up something special. But they are greatly assisted by nurture. Prue Henscke says

‘Using the principles of organics and biodynamics enables me to create the best environment for plant growth. Since I started using these practices, I am seeing the benefits in greater expression of aromas and textures in the wines from all our vineyards.’

Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz is consistently one of Australia’s most identifiable and beautiful wines. The 2022 vintage hallmarks the vineyard’s reputation and the wine may well become one of those black horses that run down to the finish as a cup winner. The Wheelwright Shiraz, based on 1968 plantings and previously a contributor to the Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz series, is now in theory an ‘old vine’ vineyard. But it probably has another decade before the wine truly shines at the same level as Mount Edelstone. Nonetheless the 2022 vintage has some lovely energy and torque. 2022 Hill of Roses, a 1989 block, within the Hill of Grace Vineyard, shows its exceptional provenance and promises to develop along similar lines to its more famous sibling.

2022 Hill of Peace Semillon is based on a small block of 1952 plantings. This early-picked style is very similar to a young Hunter Valley Semillon, previously known as Shepherd’s Riesling or Hunter River Riesling. Like Chateau Haut Brion Blanc, this wine is a rarity and promises to develop into something special.

Stephen Henschke describes the 2022 vintage collection as a ‘vintage graced by belief.’  These are all lovely wines and represent so much about the culture and romance of fine Australian wine.

2022 Henschke Hill of Peace Semillon, Eden Valley – South Australia

Pale colour. Fresh camomile, limes, tonic water aromas with hint tropical fruit notes. Pure-fruited and mouthwatering with lime and lemon pastille flavours, fine bitter textures and fresh indelible acidity. Finishes crispy and long. Very good mid-palate concentration, tension and mineral length. So riesling-like. 13 rows of 1952 plantings (74 years old Survivor Vines).  Matured for 5 months in 100% seasoned French oak barriques. Will age for years. 11.5% alc 96 points

2022 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Fragrant inky cassis, hint graphite/ dark chocolate aromas with herb garden notes and a hint of aniseed. Pure and classical with ample blackcurrant, elderberry fruits, fine slinky firm tannins, very good volume and underlying fresh acidity. High tensile and elemental. 20 months in 5% new and 95% French oak hogsheads. Very tight with al-dente/ hint sappy finish. Elements will further develop and fold. Very good energy and flow. But allow more bottle-aging. Drink 2027 – 2042 14.5% 95 points

2022 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Attractive lifted red cherry, raspberry with bush garrigue, hint capsicum/ peppercorn aromas. Generous and smooth with red cherry, raspberry, capsicum, touch dark chocolate flavours, fine dense chalky/ grippy firm tannins, underlying marzipan notes and fresh long juicy acidity.  Still youthful but showing promise. 1968 plantings (38 years – Old Vine).  Matured for 20 months in 10% new and 90% seasoned French oak hogsheads. 14.5% alc 93 points

2022 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Very attractive pure elderberry, blackberry, sage, bush garrigue with hints of roasted walnut/ marzipan. Generous blackberry, raspberry fruits, some brambly notes, fresh peppery / al dente/ bittersweet textures, underlying savoury notes, a hint of caramel, and fresh long crunchy acidity. Very pure, tight and incomplete but should unfold, build richness and volume with a few more years of bottle age. A sleeper vintage? I would bet on it. Matured for 20 months in 8% new and 92% seasoned French oak hogsheads. Drink 2028 – 2046 14.5% alc 97+ points

2022 Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Intense dark cherry, dark chocolate espresso aromas with herb garden aromas. Pure and fruity with dark cherry, raspberry, chinotto, dark chocolate flavours, fine bittersweet, touch gravelly textures and underlying savoury notes. Still looking elemental and compact but lovely flavour and richness. Chocolaty firm and long. Will evolve. 1989 Post Office Block (Hill of Grace Vineyard) plantings. Matured for 20 months in 100% seasoned French oak hogsheads. Drink 2027 – 2028 14.5% alc 95 points

2022 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Fresh and expressive pure blackberry, graphite aromas with touch marzipan/ bush garrigue notes. Expansive and linear in structure with blackberry pastille, praline, touch cedar flavours, plentiful chalky/ grainy textures and underlying roasted  walnut notes. 20 months maturation in 100% seasoned French oak hogsheads. Generous, resonating and minerally with lovely richness, density and torque. C1869, 1910, 1951, 1952, 1956 & 1962 plantings. The vineyard laid bare. Very fresh and modern. Keep for a while before drinking. 2028 – 2048 14.5% alc 98 points

Reviews by Jeni Port

Henschke Hill of Peace Semillon 2022

This is what you might call a vinous juxtaposition with a wine name that suggests tranquility attached to a wine that is (almost) anything but. Super fresh, yes. Super tart with some high energy acidity in the driver’s seat, yes. Tranquil? Less, so, although there are some quiet moments in the seconds after the wine hits the tongue when restful semillon notes of green apple and hay come into view. But, mostly, Hill of Peace rolls briskly in citrus, lemon zest, dusty grapefruit citrus notes, apple and hay with a flinty edge. Svelte, super crisp and packed deep in flavour, it belies its age and, in keeping with Barossa semillon of the past, it is capable of extended ageing. Sourced from 13 rows of vines planted in the Hill of Grace vineyard back in 1952 and matured in seasoned French oak, Hill of Peace deserves a chance, especially those who haven’t seen Barossa semillon in action before. It’s an impressive wine, a keeper. Enjoy now with shellfish or send it to the cellar – both are recommended.

93pts
Bottle Price: $90
Drink: 2026-2038

Henschke Cyril Henschke 2022

This is a wine to make you fall in love with cabernet sauvignon and its secret weapon: tannin. The tannins are superlative, fine grained, agile, pliable, providing not only an important structural role in the 2022 cabernet but enhancing it. It’s a full-on charm offensive - words rarely written about tannin. They arrive in the wine with intent, a conduit for the delivery of intense, concentrated black fruits, dark plums with ripe dark roasting spices layered across earth, leaf, sage and undergrowth. Tannins run long and deep but, gracefully so, contributing elegance to the wine. Beautifully finished and crafted.

97pts
Bottle Price: $210
Drink: 2026-2042

Henschke The Wheelwright 2022

The highest, most southerly single vineyard wine in the Henschke portfolio, The Wheelwright, at 470m, pushes the Eden Valley shiraz envelope – in a good way. The high altitude and a late season have given rise to a slow build up in flavour and riveting spiciness matched to one firm, intense tannin structure. Colour is deep and intense purple. Fragrant aromas sit in the high floral violet and pepper spectrum with cassis, blue and black berries. A firm palate awaits, dense too in flavour, with an essence-like concentration lifted aromatically in peppery notes. But it is a wine requesting more time in bottle, its youth still very much on show - taut, firm and intense - all good signs for a long journey ahead.

95pts
Bottle Price: $165
Drink: 2026-2040

Henschke Mount Edelstone 2022

Impressively purple in colour. Equally impressive is the youthful vibrancy and freshness on show in this four-year-old shiraz with its high spice aromatics, florals and signature Mt. Edelstone herbals. Dark fruits, black cherry mingle with Aussie bush, earth, sage, bay leaf and floral violet top notes. Floating between the layers is a lively spiciness, rising as the wine crosses the palate. Twenty months in French hogsheads (8% new) brings not so much the suggestion of oak as fine textured tannins which play such an important balancing role in both the approachability of the wine now, and its undoubted ability to age 20 years or more. Elegance is a given with Mt. Edelstone, but the youthful finesse of this wine is next level.

98pts
Bottle Price: $300
Drink: 2026-2047

Henschke Hill of Roses 2022

What a beautiful, super elegant expression of Australian shiraz. What was once a nursery block on the Hill of Grace vineyard is now very much a wine of its own individual style defined by the most attractive florals, red fruits, ease of style and an underlying, deceptive power. Deep aromas of red fruits, plum, dark berries, lifted aromatic violet, five-spice, cassia bark, wood smoke and earth. Spices are integral to the Hill of Roses style and here they shine.  Tannins are supple - deceptively so - because they are also structurally solid forming the basis for not only a wine of beauty but also substance. What was once a nursery block of shiraz planted on the Hill of Grace vineyard is now 33 years of age. As it nears 35 years, officially old vine age, the Henschkes have chosen to keep the wine separate as a young vine wine. Good news for Hill of Roses lovers – it’s not ready for Hill of Grace just yet!

99pts
Bottle Price: $495
Drink: 2026-2048

Henschke Hill of Grace 2022

Incredible fruit concentration, density and length – quality signatures of venerable old vines – show a classic Hill of Grace in the making. All the ingredients are here: purity of shiraz expression, tannin-acid balance, spices set to seduce, and oak kept to a minimum to showcase the Eden Valley vineyard and the ancestor vines. Oozes a wealth of spices, dark berries, blue fruits, liquorice, fennel seed and earth with gentle herbal, woody notes. Deep, dark with a heart of concentrated fruit on the palate, but, for the now, there is also a juicy aspect to the wine, too, that is most appealing, a freshness delivered alongside a coiled set of tannins. There will be those who choose to open this wine young but, if you can afford to set it down and forget about it for, say 10, 15 or 20 years, do so.

98pts
Bottle Price: $1100
Drink: 2026-2050

Reviews by Tony Love

Henschke Hill of Peace 2022

$90    95/100

A 100% Semillon from 11 rows in the Hill of Grace vineyard planted in 1952, made in tiny volumes as a labour of great love to showcase the variety’s Eden Valley regional compatibility. Maturation for five months in seasoned French barriques then close to four years of rest in bottle before release has allowed this wine to come of age on release, opening with classic varietal airs of lemon barley water and cut hay before pouring into a generous palate expression of those aromatics with a neat balance of flavours, acidity and pithy textures, Delicious - a joy to see Semillon offered such respect.  

Henschke Cyril Henschke 2022

$210     96/100

From the Henschke’s Eden Valley estate’s vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon planted by  (and named after) Cyril, Stephen Henschke’s father in the late 1960s. Not only reflecting its celebrated provenance, but also a cooler vintage, this is a clear and present Cabernet with herbal high tones, capsicum and green peppercorn combining in a mint like note, perhaps rosemary as well, the palate taking in all those characters to imbue its ripe elderberry flavours with a botanical feel, gathered in the finish with soft, fine gravel dusted tannins. It has a historic feel to it, with an elegant structure and the sense its future in the bottle will last for decades.

Henschke The Wheelwright 2022

$165 94/100

From vines planted near the village of Eden Valley in 1968 by Cyril Henschke, this is a big, generous Shiraz with plenty of savoury elements to add depth and complexity - earthy notes, bay leaf and black olive offer a background to higher toned floral aromas that suggest violet at first, all harmonising and hugging the fruit core in the palate. Prominent tannins add to this solid style, a wine with power yet still intensely warm-hearted. 

Henschke Mt Edelstone 2022

$300 98/100

100% Shiraz from 110 year old vines out of the Henschke family’s celebrated  Mt Edelstone Vineyard in the Eden Valley. Matured for 20 months in just 8% new, the rest seasoned French oak hogsheads, this vintage has all the hallmarks of its 70 year history as a masterful single vineyard creation. Dark crimson in the glass, with crushed plum and a faint waft of native bush in the higher toned aromas, underpinned by senses of iron, ink and flint-stone. The flow into the mouth brings to life jubed black currant fruit pastille flavours with bay leaf, kitchen herbals, peppercorn and savoury spices, lifted mid-palate with delightfully balanced acidity and gently arriving, soft wool-like tannins. A wine for the here and now as well as for ages to come.

Henschke Hill of Roses 2022

$495 95/100

From 33-year-old Shiraz vines selected out of Henschke’s famed Hill of Grace vineyard and planted in 1989 as a nursery block adjacent to the original. (On this wine’s release in 2026, the vines are now 36 years old and eligible to be recognised in their own right as “old vines” within the Barossa region’s Old Vine Charter.) That said, there’s an exuberance in this wine, florals and spice to the front, with deep plum fruits, fresh, delicate and pretty, perfumed with youthful juiciness in the palate, its spice notes more peppery than exotic. An exciting next-gen wine from extraordinary DNA stock, revealing its mid-life charms.

Henschke 2022 Hill of Grace 2022

$1100      99/100

Arguably the most famous, historic family estate vineyard in the country, and certainly in the Eden Valley as the cooler and higher region in the wider Barossa zone. This comes from a highly regarded vintage, celebrated by the Henschke team for its balance of yield against the season; the source vines ranging from the oldest which have seen around 160 vintages, as well as a smaller selection of 35-100 year olds. A wine with a stored wisdom and depth of character, revealed by its marriage of dark berried fruit and exotic spices, a sophisticated ease of stature and balance of flavour, fruit drive, structure and volume, with underlying power and energy yet surprisingly fresh and vibrant. Completely in its own zone with a view to staying alive and exciting for many, many years.       

Henschke Museum Release Wines

Words by Andrew Caillard MW

Henschke’s Museum and Rare Releases highlight the fidelity and longevity of the winery’s top wines. All these wines were served at a dinner prepared by Alanna Sapwell-Stone Esmay and taken off scribbled notes.

Henschke Johanne Ida Selma Blanc de Noir MD (2022 Mature Disgorgement), Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Intense tonic water, lemon curd, hint red cherry aromas with grilled nut notes. Creamy and buoyant with attractive lemon curd, tonic water/ yeast flavours, fine textures and persistent effervescence. Refreshing and delicious to drink. Based on multiple vintages (1999 to 2019). Crown-sealed 12% alc 94+ points

1996 Henschke Julius Riesling – Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium pale colour. Fresh developed toasty oilskin lime aromas and flavours. Lovely mid plate volume and underlying mineral length. Drink now – soon. 13% alc 93 points

2002 Henschke Julius Riesling – Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium pale colour. Beautiful pure lemon lime aromas with lovely toasty notes. Superbly concentrated and minerally with maple lemon lime, toasty flavours, and persistent slinky, bitter-sweet textures. Wonderful ethereal quality with superb volume and flow. A classic, seductive and memorable vintage. First Class. Drink now – soon. 13% alc 98 points

2012 Henschke Julius Riesling – Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium pale colour. Developed lime cordial, slight oilskin aromas with flinty, toasty notes. Very pure and minerally on the palate with lacy textures and fresh indelible acidity. Drink now 11.5% alc 94 points 

2015 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fresh dark berry, liquorice, herb garden aromas. Sweet fruited, supple and generous with ample blackberry, dark cherry fruits, fine grained/ touch grippy tannins, very good mid palate volume and excellent mineral length. Maturation for 18 months is 18% new and 82% seasoned (82% French 12% American) oak hogsheads. 14.5% alc 94+ points

2015 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Pure blackberry, sage aromas with mocha, marzipan notes. Well concentrated and classical in structure with plentiful blackberry, cassis, herb flavours loose knit chalky/ silky textures and underlying savoury notes. Finishes claret firm and long. Maturation for 18 months in 78% French and 22% American (22% new and 78% seasoned) oak hogsheads. Drink now – 2045 14.5% alc 96+ points

2015 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Glorious blackberry, strawberry, graphite, hint apricot aromas with herb garden notes. Generously concentrated with lovely complex blackberry, strawberry, sage flavours, some praline, stone fruit notes, superb mid palate volume and mineral length. Gentle yet powerful in presence. A wonderful wine. Maturation for 18 months in 86% French and 14% American (33% new and 67% seasoned) oak hogsheads. Drink now – 2038 14.5% alc 98+ points

1996 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Lifted black cherry, dark chocolate with graphite herb notes. Savoury and minerally with well-developed dark cherry/ dark chocolate/ chinotto flavours and grainy firm tannins. Builds up chalky at the finish with attractive length. Maturation for 18 months in new and Seasoned French and American oak hogsheads. (A much better example than in the 70th anniversary vertical tasting). Drink now – 2040 13.5% alc 97 points

2004 Henschke Noble Rot Riesling, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium amber colour. Fresh apricot, lime, nougat, marmalade aromas with hints of crème brulée. Well-concentrated with abundant stonefruit, marmalade flavours, plenty of mid palate viscosity and well-balanced acidity. Slightly advanced but delicious to drink. Drink now – keep for a while. 12% alc 91 points

2025 Henschke Spring Release

Henschke is best known for its profoundly impactful Eden Valley reds. Hill of Grace Shiraz, Mount Edelstone Shiraz and Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon rarely, if ever, disappoint. The attention to detail in the vineyards and winery are legendary. Behind the scenes is an exceptional team that support Prue, Stephen and family. Gwyn Olsen in more recent years has stepped in to work as senior winemaker and these wine releases show some very fine handiwork, highlighting a very collaborative culture.  

It is heartening and wonderful to see the 2025 Lenswood Vineyard releases this year. The infamous Cudlee Creek bushfire (December 2019) cut a swathe through the vineyard and caused widespread devastation and heartbreak. It has taken years of investment, patience and restoration work to reach this point; a reflection of true resilience, family connection and purpose. The standout Green’s Hill Riesling is an excellent foil to the classical and delicious Julius Riesling from the Eden Valley. Joseph Hill Gewürztraminer is a lovely example of the variety and the Grüner Veltliner is a work in progress, but delicious all the same.

2025 was a challenging year and when reading the vintage description, it might suggest that it was an average vintage. Dry conditions prevailed between September and April. A widespread frost in September reduced yields, but many vignerons were surprised by the fruitfulness of the secondary buds.

Ultimately 2025 highlighted a differential in riesling styles, much a reflection of vineyard sites and winemaking management. Eden Valley’s Julius is a pure thoroughbred this year while Peggy’s Hill is all texture and torque. Green’s Hill is buoyant and refined with lovely freshness and intensity. An underlying house style of fruit definition, clarity and mineral length are a common thread.

One of the highlights is 2022 The Rose Grower Nebbiolo which is an attractive expression of the variety and shows its exemplary potential in the Eden Valley. It is difficult to predict its cellaring potential, but it is a wonderful wine to enjoy now.  

Henschke’s portfolio of releases are wide and varied reflecting a multi-generational and forward outlook towards farming and winemaking. May it long continue.

2025 Henschke Julius Riesling, Eden Valley – South Australia

Pale colour. Pure lemon curd, tonic water aromas with hints of verbena. Generous lemon curd, lime, verbena flavours, fine chalky textures, attractive mid-palate volume and fresh long indelible/ crunchy acidity. Lovely mineral length. Tightly structured and generously flavoured. Delicious drinking but keep for a while to allow the elements to fold and develop. Drink now – 2038 11.7% alc 96 points

2025 Henschke Peggy’s Hill Riesling, Eden Valley – South Australia

Pale colour. Intense lemon, grapefruit, quartz-like aromas with lifted green apple/ pearskin notes. Slinky textured and pure with ample bitter lemon, grapefruit flavours, al dente/ bittersweet textures and fresh long minerally acidity. Al dente and crisp with very good flow and torque. Drink now – 2032 11.7% alc 93 points

2025 Henschke Green’s Hill Riesling, Lenswood Vineyard, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Perfumed green apple, lime aromas with bitter lemon, camomile notes. Supple and sweet fruited with ample lemon curd, lime juice, apple fruits, fine looseknit lacy/ al dente textures, some mid palate viscosity and underlying minerally/ steely notes. Finishes bittersweet with very good mineral length. Buoyant and refined with very attractive pure fruit definition. Drink now – 2035 13% alc 95 points

2025 Henschke Percival’s Mill Grüner Veltliner, Lenswood Vineyard, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Pear, orange blossom, hint allspice aromas. Minerally wine with plentiful pear, lemon curd, hint orange flavours, chalky/ powdery textures and fresh long saline acidity. Lightly grippy/ puckering, crunchy and mouthwatering at the finish with hints of herbs. Drink now – 2030 13% alc 94 points

2025 Henschke Joseph Hill Gewürztraminer, Lenswood Vineyard, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Classical musky, lemon glacé, ginger aromas with some spicy notes. Attractive pure fruited palate with abundant limoncello, ginger flavours, peppery nuances, lovely mid palate viscosity and fresh long crisp acidity. Bittersweet notes extend the finish. A beautiful reference style. Best for early drinking to enjoy the youthful and exuberant fruit. Drink now – 2032 13.5% alc 96 points

2022 Henschke The Rose Grower Nebbiolo, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium pale crimson. Dried roses, strawberries, red cherries and orange peel with hints of chinotto. Supple and silky textured with lovely complex strawberry pastille, candied red cherry, touch cola/ chinotto/ orange flavours, lovely lacy firm tannins, superb mid-plate viscosity and underlying mineral acidity. Finishes long and minerally with seductive and complex sweet fruits. Really lovely to drink now but should keep. Drink now – 2036 13% alc 96 points

2024 Henschke Roeslin Barbera, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Youthful ripe dark plum, cranberry aromas with brambly notes. Dense and chocolaty with ample musky dark plum, raspberry jam, cranberry fruits, fine slinky textures, lovely mid-palate richness and underlying juicy acidity. A bomb of juicy fruit with chalky notes at the finish. Drink now – 2032 14% alc 93 points

2024 Henschke George 5th Grenache, Barossa Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Musky plum, black olive aromas with some flinty notes. Sweet red plum, strawberry pastille, hint peppery flavours with flinty nuances, fine loose knit chalky/ light grippy textures, and underlying mineral acidity. Finishes powdery firm and long. A touch saccharin. Decant and swirl to reveal pure sweet fruits. Drink now – 2032 14.5% alc 92 points

2023 Henschke Noble Semillon, Eden Valley – South Australia

Pale colour. Expressive apricot, sweet pear, flinty / burnt match aromas with some honeyed notes. Buoyant and sweet with ample apricot, stonefruit, honey, flinty flavours, looseknit chalky textures, superb mid-palate volume/ sucrosity and long fresh mineral/ saline acidity. Some woodfire notes at the finish. Interesting to see how this develops as still in parts. Best to keep for a while. Drink now – 2038 8.5% alc 124 g/l sugar! 91 points

Henschke Johanne Ida Selma Blanc de Noir MD, Lenswood Vineyard, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Expressive lemon curd, sourdough, yeasty flinty aromas with hints of marzipan. Creamy and mouth filling with attractive lemon curd, marzipan yeasty, hint crème brulée flavours, fine looseknit lacy textures, generous mid palate volume and underling quartz acidity. Complex and refreshing. A multi vintage cuvée (1999 to 2019) and sealed with crown seal. Ready to drink but should keep for a while. Drink now – 2030 12% alc 94 points

2025 Henschke Release

This year’s Henschke Winery’s 2021 Vintage Single Vineyard release, brought forward by a year to make up for an historic low crop in 2020, will be remembered as one of the most spectacular in recent memory. The combination of a standout vintage, meticulous winemaking, attentive and detailed maturation has resulted in the creation of beautiful landmark wines infused with Eden Valley perfume and voice of place. ‘Described by Henschke as ‘a vintage graced by an ancient land,’ I would add ‘heaven sent’. With such tiny vintages in 2019 and 2020, an abundant high-quality crop in 2021 will no doubt be a cause for celebration. The investment in regenerative vineyard management, regardless of yields, is enormous. Henschke is a model of sustainable/ organic/ biodynamic farming and winemaking in Australia. It was also an early proponent of alternative closures. Previously sealed with the ‘vinolok’ stopper, it is great to see the 2021 Hill of Grace bottled with screwcap, perhaps a more reliable seal for the long term. The 2021 Henschke single vineyard wines are exceptional.

2021 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Lovely intense raspberry, blackberry pastille, hint mocha aromas with herb garden/ sage notes. Pure and inky textured with superb raspberry pastille, blackberry fruits, persistent fine slinky/ brambly textures and underlying grilled nut, vanilla notes. Al-dente firm at the finish with persistent sweet fruit notes and a kick of aniseed. This a gorgeous reference Eden Valley Shiraz with superb fruit definition, energy and flow. 14.5% alc Drink 2027 – 2040 99 points

18 months maturation in 9% new and 91% seasoned (80% French, 20% American) oak hogsheads

2021 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Expressive raspberry, blackberry, cassis, hint elderberry/violet/ sage aromas with mocha, marzipan notes. Elegant yet powerful, dense but buoyant palate with ample blackberry pastille, blackcurrant, raspberry fruits, fine supple/ grainy tannins, lovely mid palate volume/ richness and superbly balanced grilled almond, roasted chestnut notes. Finishes claret firm with a featherweight plume of bittersweet tannins. A beguiling and lasting landmark Hill of Grace vintage with wonderful definition, vinosity and torque. 14.5% alc Drink 2028 – 2048 100 points

18 months maturation in 13% new and 87% seasoned (84% French, 16% American) oak hogsheads

2021 Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Seductive blackberry pastille, boysenberry, mocca aromas with herb garden notes. Generously concentrated palate with ample dark berry fruits, some mocha, roasted walnut complexity, fine persistent al dente brambly textures and fresh long quartz-like acidity. Finishes with a grip of firm bittersweet tannins. A muscular version of Hill of Grace with lovely polish, density and flow. Should last the distance. 14.5% alc Drink 2027 – 2040 97 points

18 months maturation in 100% seasoned French oak hogsheads

2021 Henschke Cyril Henschke Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley –South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fragrant cassis, dark plum, sage aromas with hint marzipan notes. Inky deep and generous with saturated blackcurrant, dark plum fruits, some attractive herbal/ sage/ bush garrigue notes, lovely mid-palate density and underlying grilled nut notes. Finishes bittersweet with persistent cassis/ graphite/ brambly notes. A lovely claret style infused with the perfume and terroir of the Eden Valley. 14.5% alc Drink 2027 – 2042 97 points

99% cabernet sauvignon 1 % merlot
18 months maturation in 8% new and 92% seasoned French oak hogsheads

2021 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson, Intense blackberry, dark chocolate herb garden aromas with mocha, vanilla notes. Smooth, dense and compact with abundant blackberry, praline flavours, well balanced espresso, marzipan notes, attractive mid-palate viscosity and plentiful fine bittersweet, touch ferruginous tannins. Finishes firm and tight with persistent dark berry/ brambly/ liquorice notes. A distinctive, sturdy and elemental Eden Valley Shiraz that should unfold with further cellaring. 14% alc Drink 2028 -2045 96 points

18 months maturation in 10% new and 90% seasoned (82% French and 18% American) oak hogsheads.

2024 Henschke Innes Vineyard Pinot Gris, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Fresh lemon curd, pear skin aromas with some lifted tonic water notes. Refreshing and bittersweet with ample lemon, grapefruits, pear, hint tonic water flavours, fine slinky textures, some creamy notes on the mid-palate and long crunchy acidity. Very classical in style. Arguably the South Australian reference for this variety. Best to drink early to enjoy the primary fruit. Drink now - 2028 13.5% alc 95 points

2023 Henschke Johann’s Garden Grenache Mataro, Barossa Valley – South Australia

Light to medium crimson. Attractive red plum, raspberry, roasted walnut aromas with hints of dark chocolate and herbs. Generously concentrated red plum, raspberry pastille, cola, roasted walnut, dark chocolate flavours, fine loose knit chalky al dente textures, some mid-palate viscosity and persistent crisp acidity. A touch of heat at the finish. Drink now – keep for a while. 14.5% alc 91 points

2024 Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz Mataro, Barossa – South Australia

Deep crimson. Intense blackberry, brambly aromas with hints of aniseed and bush garrigue. Buoyant, youthful and expressive with ample elderberry, blackberry pastille, dark chocolate flavours and plentiful fine chocolaty firm tannins. Finishes grippy, bittersweet and crisp but balanced by seductive purple fruits. Drinking well now but let the elements fold and settle down. Drink 2026 – 2034 14.5% alc 93+ points

2022 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Dry Red Blend, Barossa – South Australia
(Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot)

Medium deep crimson. Fresh raspberry pastille, dark chocolate, roasted chestnut aromas with brambly notes. Gentle pure raspberry, red currant, mulberry fruits with underlying dark chocolate, roasted chestnut, marzipan notes, lovely mid palate volume and well-integrated fine chocolaty tannins. Finishes chocolaty and minerally with ample sweet red berry fruits and prominent taste of new French oak. Very much a signature Henschke red showing all the hallmarks of house style and meticulous blending. 59% Shiraz, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. 60% Eden Valley 40% Barossa Valley. Maturation in 20% new French oak and 80% seasoned French and American oak hogsheads for 20 months. Drink now – 2036 14.5 % alc 96 points

2022 Henschke Marble Angel Vineyard, Barossa Valley – South Australia
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Medium deep crimson. Fresh blackberry, mocha aromas with underlying marzipan, roasted walnut notes. Generous and supple with ample blackberry pastille, espresso flavours, fine loose knit chocolaty/ grainy textures, very good mid palate viscosity and well balanced roasted almond, roasted walnut notes. Builds up claret firm at the finish with bittersweet. chinotto notes.  100% 1970s-planted Marble Angel Vineyard cabernet sauvignon (Light Pass). Matured in 10% new and 90% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 20 months. Drink 2027 – 2040 14.5% alc 95 points

2022 Henschke Tappa Pass Vineyard Selection, Barossa – South Australia
(100% Shiraz)

Medium deep crimson. Fragrant blackberry, elderberry aromas with cedar, marzipan notes. Full bodied and expressive with abundant blackberry, black cherry, elderberry fruits, plentiful chocolaty, touch grippy tannins and underlying cedarwood, roasted almond, roasted walnut notes. Grippy/ chewy firm at the finish with bittersweet/ chinotto/ aniseed nuances. Keep for a while to allow the wine to settle. Drink 2026 – 2038 14.5% alc 94+ points 

2024 Henschke Release

2024 Henschke Julius Riesling, Eden Valley – South Australia

Pale colour. Intense lime pastille, camomile aromas with herb garden, hint flinty notes. Beautifully concentrated and pure fruited riesling, with ample lime, lemon glacé fruits, fine bittersweet textures, a hint of tonic water and long fresh quartz-like acidity. Wonderful volume and mineral length; the fruit density offsetting the lowish alcohol beautifully. This has all the hallmarks of a classic bottling. Delicious to drink now, but bottle age complexity beckons. Drink now – or keep for as long as you like (2045+) 11% alc 97 points

2024 Henschke Peggy’s Hill Riesling, Eden Valley – South Australia

Pale colour. Fragrant bitter lemon, hint grapefruit aromas with herb oil notes. Fresh lemon, lime, grapefruit flavours, fine loose knit bitter textures, attractive mid palate volume and fresh long crunchy mouthwatering acidity. Finishes bittersweet. Textural and high tensile with very good density and flow. Could benefit from a few years of bottle age. Drink now – or keep for a while (2034+). 11.5% alc 93 points

2021 Henschke Keyneton Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot, Barossa - South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Pure dark cherry, hint marzipan aromas with aniseed, herb garden notes. Minerally and loose knit in structure with pure cherry, blackberry pastille fruits, fine chalky/ graphite textures, lovely mid packet volume and fresh quartz acidity. Supple lacy finish with vanilla marzipan notes. The soupçon of new oak gives an extra level of complexity. Really delicious and satisfying wine. 63% Shiraz 29% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Cabernet Franc 3% Merlot. 18 months maturation in 11% new and 89% seasoned oak hogsheads (82% French/18% American) Drink now - 2034 14.5% alc 96 points

2023 Henschke Five Schillings Shiraz Mataro, Barossa - South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fresh dark cherry, elderberry, plum, black olive, amazing graphite, herb garden notes. Dark elderberry, black cherry, chinotto, black olive fruits, lead pencil notes, fine slinky tannins and well balanced crunchy acidity.  Some al dente textures at the finish. Attractive inky density and juicy dark berry fruits. Ready to drink but should further harmonise over the next few years, 75% Shiraz 25% Mataro. 10 months maturation in 3% new French oak and 97% season oak hogsheads. Drink now - 2028 + 14.5% alc 93+ points

2023 Henschke Henry’s Seven Dry Red Blend. Barossa - South Australia

Deep crimson. Fresh elderberry, raspberry apricot aromas with only herb garden notes.  Richly concentrated and slinky textured with ample dark berry, stone fruit flavours fine supple tannins, underlying savoury notes and long fresh crisp acidity.  Matured in primarily 5% new French and seasoned oak. 81% Shiraz 11% Grenache, 6% Mataro, 2% Viognier. Medium term wine but ready to drink now. Drink now - 2031+ 14.5% alc 92 points

2024 Henschke single vineyard Release

2019 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Beautiful cassis, blackberry pastille, roasted chestnut, espresso, herb garden, star anise aromas. Silky smooth and inky textured wine with ample blackcurrant, blackberry pastille fruits, fine loose knit graphite tannins, crunchy fresh acidity and beautifully balanced mocha, roasted chestnut, hazelnut nougat, dark chocolate notes. A lovely chalky bitter-sweet finish with a fine tannin plume. Saturated and buoyant with superb mineral length. Atypical for Hill of Grace but I suspect bottle age will haul it back into line. A fascinating vintage and a beautifully made wine. Drink now – 2038+ 14.5% alc 97+ points

2019 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fragrant blackberry pastille, raspberry, praline, hint marzipan aromas with sage/ bush garrigue notes. Supple and minerally with fresh pure blackberry, raspberry fruits, fine slinky / chalky textures, well integrated marzipan, roasted chestnut characters, attractive inky complexity and fresh long indelible acidity. Builds up brambly firm, pure and tight with star anise notes. A lovely claret style with beautiful volume and understated power. Should age very well. Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. Keep for a while – 2038+ 14.5% alc 98 points

2019 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Intense and expressive blackberry, brambly, dark chocolate aromas with graphite, herb garden nuances. Inky deep blackberry, blackcurrant, mocha, roasted chestnut chinotto flavours, lovely sinuous chocolaty textures, attractive volume and fresh well-balanced acidity. Bitter-sweet, touch ferruginous at the finish with aniseed notes. Generous, supple and chocolaty. A classical Barossa style with a hint of Eden Valley sage. Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. Drink now – 2034 14.5% alc 96 points

2019 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deepish crimson. Intense blackcurrant, dark chocolate marzipan, roasted hazelnut, aromas with fragrant bell pepper, rose garden notes. Fresh cassis, redcurrant, chinotto, praline flavours, fine supple loose knit graphite tannins and underlying roasted chestnut/ hazelnut notes. Finishes chocolaty firm with fresh long acidity. Medium powered wine with remarkably fine and ripe tannins. Delicious drinking now showing poise and balance, but should enjoy further development. Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. Now – 2032 14% alc 95+ points

2013 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Scented blackberry pastille, herb garden sage aromas with dark chocolate, touch tobacco leaf notes. Smooth and concentrated wine with attractive pure blackberry, mulberry, chinotto flavours, fine loose-knit chalky/ al dente textures and underlying mocha notes. Builds up powdery/ graphite firm with hints of tobacco leaf. Delicious bottle-aged wine with lovely symmetry and backbone. Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. Now – 2032+ 14.5% alc 97 points

2008 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fresh blackberry pastille, espresso, roasted chestnut, vanilla, hint marzipan with wax polish, herb notes. Superbly balanced wine with deep set blackberry pastille, dark chocolate, roasted coffee flavours, fine chalky tannins and well-balanced vanilla marzipan roasted chestnut, hint coconut notes. Builds up graphite/ chocolaty firm with seductive sweet fruits and lovely mineral length. Lovely density, richness, and torque. This is in a really great place. I tasted the 2008 Hill of Grace mid-last year within the context of a vertical tasting, but here on its own it impressively evokes the essence of vineyard site and the character of the Henschke style of winemaking. Should last a great distance.  Henschke-embossed bottle. Vino-lok seal. Now – 2040 14.5 % alc 98+ points

Hill of Grace – Celebrating 60 Years

The 60th anniversary release of Henschke Hill of Grace was marked with a wonderful tasting of vintages going back to the first in 1958. These moments were a cause for reflection as the vineyard has become one of the foundations of Australia’s modern fine wine narrative. Although Hill of Grace was in the shadow of Penfolds Grange during the 1960s and 1970s, its stature and historical relevance became better understood during the 1980s. A combination of brilliant vineyard husbandry and technical winemaking skills brought the vineyard into sharper relief. On the other hand a succession of very fine older vintages is proof that the vineyard itself was well cared for and the more rudimentary winemaking of Cyril Henschke was completely aligned with the times.

The 1958 Vintage was a surprising revelation and perhaps proved that good bottles and well preserved wines are also a result of some luck too. The story of Hill of Grace, however, must also include the practical work in generating more market interest during the mid-to-late 1980s. Wine merchants Arch Baker in addition to Judy and Rob Hirst did much to put the Henschke brand on the map. This was echoed by the rising interest in the secondary wine market when auction prices doubled in 1995 and then doubled again in 1996 (after an internal recorking programme in 1994).

Of particular note, is the development of style and the singularity of Hill of Grace Shiraz over the decades. The 1950s and early 1960s start off being softer in texture, then more vigorous and claret like during the 1970s and 1980s. By the early-to-mid 1990s Hill of Grace becomes more reflective of the vintage, the vineyard and nature. Prue and Stephen Henschke are first scientists, but their pursuit of excellence and for the long term survival of their vineyard has changed their outlook. A willingness to accept that not all things can be explained has also led to a more philosophical way of looking after the vines and making the wines. Hill of Grace Shiraz cannot really be defined as a style. The transparency and character of the vineyard are the most obvious features each year. The ‘terroir’ is the defining factor!

‘The influence of the moon cycles has been an important and familiar feature in the operation of the Henschke vineyards. Mysteriously the Hill of Grace vines, whether the vintage arrives early or late, are ready to harvest close to the full moon after the Autumn equinox (Easter). Decades of vintages have shown that this is the optimal time in the moon cycle for harvest. Curiously, by the calendar, the date of Easter can vary by up to thirty-five days.’ Stephen Henschke in ‘The story of a single vineyard’ by Fiona McDonald.

The Henschke shiraz inheritance and the restorative work in their vineyards by Prue Henschke and her team underpin the significance of both Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone — both remarkable outposts of colonial vine-stock shiraz. The move to organic and biodynamic viticulture and ecological practices bring a spirit of intent, based on the belief that survival and prosperity depends on giving more back to the land than is taken out.  Henschke winemaking practices developed from the very early Barossa methods - including open fermentation - and further progressed with the enlightened imagination of Cyril Henschke (from the 1950s to the 1970s) and the technical brilliance of Stephen Henschke (from the early 1980s onwards) referencing both of these heritage vineyards into the Barossa vernacular. Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace share the same nurture and love. Essentially, they are kindred souls with similar regional definition, structural elements and taste.

‘I think Hill of Grace has become the more famous of the two vineyards because the ‘terroir’ threads the past, the present and the future, with a profound spirit of romance and nostalgia. The 19th century legacy, the visual connection between Gnadenberg Church and wine, and the ‘future-proofing’ of old vines, are highly symbolic. The beautiful Hill of Grace moniker, coined by Cyril Henschke in the late 1950s, powerfully evokes the timeless spirit of the Henschke family, the character of the wine and the voice of the Barossa. Ascendant and transcendent are words that come to mind.’

Technical Data

Vineyard Location: Eden Valley wine region, 4km north-west of Henschke Cellars at Keyneton, in the Mount Lofty Ranges east of the Barossa Valley, South Australia.

Average Yield: 2.5t/ha (1t/acre)

Trellis: Two wire vertical, single wire at 70cm, Scott Henry.

Planting: Wide planting 3.1m x 3.4m. Most are planted east-west, some north-south, dry grown.

Treatments: Undervine mulching and permanent sward incorporating organic and biodynamic practices.

Rainfall: 520 mm

Altitude: 400 m

Latitude: 34°30’

Longitude: 139°07’

1958 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium colour. Lovely developed apricot, wax polish, hint chinotto aromas with hints of praline/ graphite. Fresh apricot, wax polish, chinotto flavours, fine looseknit chalky tannins, attractive inky notes and fresh long mineral acidity. Light tannin plume at the finish. Gorgeous old wine with earthy notes. Shows the natural power of the vineyard. Drink now – soon 98 points

1961 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium colour. Fresh developed crème brulée, hint marzipan, polished leather, wood varnish, hint cork wood aromas. Well concentrated slightly cork wood flavoured with developed red berry, earthy, marzipan, milk chocolate flavours, fine slinky, hint al dente textures, attractive mid palate viscosity and fresh integrated mineral torque. Finishes chalky and long. Still drinking well. Drink now- soon 94 points

1962 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Intense roasted coffee, dark chocolate, wax polish aromas with hints of dark fruits and leather. Generous and buoyant with fresh espresso, dark chocolate, dark berry fruits, fine slinky firm tannins, very good mid palate viscosity and fresh long acidity. Finishes lacy firm with dried apricot, dried plum notes. Still lovely to drink with animated vigour and lovely mineral length. Drink now – will keep for awhile. 13.5% alc 96 points

1966 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Developed red cherry stone, graphite, chinotto aromas with lifted wax polish, touch varnishy/ shellac notes. Minerally and varnishy on the palate with tawny port like notes fine bitter-sweet tannins, attractive mid palate volume and well balanced acidity. Varnishy finish. Still holding on by its fingernails. Drink up 91 points

1968 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Fragrant roasted walnut, hint shellac notes with remnants of red cherries, dried apricots and prunes. Sweet fruited and buoyant wine with roasted walnut, graphite, hint leather notes, fine looseknit chalky tannins, very attractive mid palate viscosity and perfectly integrated acidity. Not a great year, but a very good old bottle. Drink up 94 points

1972 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Roasted coffee, graphite aromas with chinotto, touch lifted notes. Well concentrated roasted coffee, graphite, hint meaty, apricot flavours, fine chalky silky textures, lovely density and underlying wax polish notes. Finishes firm and minerally, and a touch saline. Attractive gentle vigour and richness of flavour. Drink now 95 points

1973 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Leathery apricot, raspberry, dark chocolate aromas. Generously concentrated wine with roasted walnut, wax polish, redcurrant, raspberry flavours, fine loose knit slinky/ touch al dente tannins. Sturdy finish. Still drinking well with sweet and savoury notes with hints of primary fruit in the background. Drink now – soon 94 points

1978 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Intense and complex wine with roasted chestnut, roasted walnut, hint panforte. Generously concentrated and sturdy wine with fresh roasted walnut apricot, minerally flavour, a hint of soy, fine chalky firm tannins, very good mid-palate buoyancy and well-integrated acidity. Feathery firm finish. 12.5% alc Drink now – keep for a while 95 points

1982 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Intense coffee, wax polish, roasted walnut, apricot, redcurrant, hint marzipan aromas. Richly concentrated wine with ample roasted coffee, roasted walnut, red and black berry flavours, fine grainy tannins, very good volume, underlying savoury notes and refreshing long mineral acidity. 13% alc Drink now 95 points

1984 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Intense roasted chestnut, roasted walnut, espresso hint rum and raisin notes. Generous and slinky textured wine with developed leather, redcurrant flavours, fine grainy tannins, some tawny, soy notes, a hint of garrigue and noticeable American oak. A touch disjointed.  12% alc  Drink now – keep for a while 90 points

1986 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Beautiful wine with intense roasted walnut, blackberry pastille, graphite aromas with hints of marzipan. Well concentrated and classical in structure with lovely developed blackberry, roasted walnut, roasted almond flavours, fine grainy claret-like structure and underlying savoury notes. Finishes firm with ample fruit complexity and mineral length. Lovely modulated power and elegance. 12.5% alc Drink now – 2030+ 99 points 

1988 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium crimson. Fresh developed stonefruit, strawberry, redcurrant and marzipan with herb, sage notes. Medium bodied wine with lovely strawberry, blackberry fruits, fine looseknit chalky tannins, attractive mid palate volume and well-integrated acidity. A touch atypical but delicious to drink. 13% alc Drink now – 2028 95 points

1990 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Developed blackberry pastille, marzipan, hint flyspray, sage aromas with tawny notes. Well concentrated but developed with blackberry, redcurrant fruits, fine grainy al dente tannins, and underlying marzipan, roasted walnut notes. Finishes firm and minerally - a claret style and moving towards modernity. Drink now – 2030 13.5% alc 94 points

1991 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Lovely roasted walnut, blackberry, espresso, mocha aromas with sage like notes. Well concentrated and inky wine with ample blackberry, roasted walnut, toasty flavours fine grainy, hint al dente textures and underlying mocha, mazipan notes. In beautiful condition. Drink now – 2035 13.5% alc 98 points

1992 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Intense blackberry, roasted chestnut, marzipan aromas with herb garden notes. Lovely blackberry, roasted chestnut marzipan flavours, fine slinky tannins, very good volume and mineral length. Finishes chocolate firm. Quite robust in this company. Drink now – 2030 14.1% alc 94 points

1996 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fresh blackberry pastille, chinotto aromas with marzipan, minty aromas with hints of leather. Generously concentrated wine with ample blackberry, mulberry fruits, fine grainy, hint leafy tannins and underlying marzipan, roasted chestnut, leather and spice notes. Drink now – 2030+ 13.8% alc 96 points

2002 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Blackberry pastille, mulberry, mocha aromas with bush garrigue, sage notes. Very modern wine with fresh blackberry, mulberry fruits, fine looseknit chocolaty tannins, underlying mocha, vanilla notes and a hint of musky, parma violets. Finishes firm and minerally - very buoyant and expressive. Drink now – 2038 14.5% alc  95 points

2004 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Beautifully expressive wine with lifted blackberry, mocha sage aromas with hints of apricot. Lovely concentrated and balanced wine with fresh blackberry pastille, praline, mocha flavours, a hint of beef extract, fine loose knit grainy tannins and underlying herb garden sage notes. Finishes peppery and minerally - a superb, complex wine. Drink now – 2040 14% alc 99 points

2005 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Dark cherry, chinotto, mocha, hint vanilla aromas with herb garden notes. Well concentrated wine with blackberry pastille, dark cherry, hint mint/ sage flavours, fine slinky firm/ vigorous tannins and well-balanced mocha vanilla, marzipan notes. Finishes firm and surprisingly tight with hints of aniseed - a sturdy vintage. Drink now – 2035 14.5% alc 93 points

2006 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Intense blackberry, spice, praline, roasted chestnut, hint vanilla aromas. Inky deep wine with ample blackberry, roasted walnut, mocha flavours, fine loose knit chalky/ savoury tannins and some graphite notes. Finishes al dente firm with oaky notes. Still in evolution and best to keep. Drink now – 2040 14.5% alc **94+ points

2008 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Intense blackberry pastille, mulberry, dark chocolate aromas with herb garden notes. Richly flavoured wine with deep set blackberry pastille, mulberry, hint chinotto flavours, fine slinky firm textures, lovely mid palate richness/ volume and beautifully integrated mocha roasted chestnut notes. Finishes chocolaty with seductive black fruits and superb mineral length. Drink now – 2040 14.5% alc 97 points

2010 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Classical blackberry, sage aromas with underlying mocha notes. Superbly balanced wine with pure blackberry pastille, sage, herb garden flavours, a touch of spice, fine lacy tannins, superb mid palate viscosity and underlying roasted chestnut notes. Finishes chalky firm, a touch peppery and long. A brilliant wine with great resonance of place. Drink now – 2045 14.5% alc 100 points

2012 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Intense blackberry, graphite aromas with hints of mocha and vanilla. Voluminous wine with ample blackberry, mulberry fruits, fine chocolaty hint bitter tannins, very good volume, richness and underlying mocha/ vanilla oak. Finishes chocolaty firm and minerally. Another sturdy finish. Drink 2024 – 2035 14.5% 94 points

2015 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. Fresh blackberry hedgerow aromas with vanilla sage notes. Slinky textured wine with blackberry herb garden flavours, fine loose knit touch brambly tannins and some vanilla mocha notes witha hint of pondwater. Finishes chalky with graphite notes. Very pretty and expressive vintage, but has become a little shy. Drink 2026 – 2048 14.5% alc 96 points

2016 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Intense blackberry mulberry, hint roasted chestnut aromas with sage notes. Intensely concentrated blackberry pastille, mulberry chinotto fruits, fine loose knit chalky al dente tannins, superb mid-palate volume and well-integrated mocha roasted chestnut oak notes. Lovely richness, volume and fruit complexity. 14.5% alc Drink 2028 – 2048+ 97 points

2018 Henschke Hill of Grace, Eden Valley – South Australia

Deep crimson. Fresh blackberry pastille, mulberry elderberry chinotto aromas with mocha, roasted chestnut aged notes with dried roses, sage herb garden complexity. 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 that is destined to become a classic vintage.  Drink 2028 - 2045 14.5% alc 100 points

Angus Hughson
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