2013 HILL OF GRACE, Henschke. Eden Valley, South Australia

A single vineyard in the northern section of the Eden Valley (part of the hills known as the Barossa Range) which consists of river valleys and undulating hills covered with large gums, rocky outcrops and Aboriginal sites. It’s a high-altitude area (between 400-500 metres, compared with the Barossa Valley’s 200-300m). This makes for cooler nights, later ripening and more retention of freshness and distinctive varietal flavours.

Shiraz matured in new oak (half French, half American oak) for 21 months.

The Henschke family settled in the Barossa in 1861 and now fifth-generation Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue uphold the family name and reputation, as winemaker and viticulturist respectively. All their vineyards are both organic and biodynamic.
This wine, first released in 1958 has made them word-famous, second only in the Aussie roll of honour to Grange Hermitage. The vines date back to the 1860s, although they are having to re-plant gradually as individual plants finally die out.

2024-2054.

It’s only a pity about the price. This has consistently been Australia’s truly great red – much more elegant and less ‘monumental’ than Grange Hermitage.

We have just 4 bottles.