Okay Wine People — let’s talk iconic Australian Shiraz!
Today I’m tasting Henschke “Hill of Grace” 2005, one of the most legendary single-vineyard wines from Eden Valley in South Australia.
This is 100% Shiraz from a small, historic vineyard. The oldest vines date back to 1860 — more than 145 years old at the time of harvest — producing naturally low yields and astonishing concentration.
Eden Valley sits in a warm Mediterranean climate, but higher altitude and strong diurnal range moderate the heat, slow down ripening, and help preserve freshness, acidity, and aromatic lift. No wonder Hill of Grace has such an iconic reputation.
So — what’s happening in the glass?
– Deep color with a touch of garnet from age and beautifully formed tears showing high extraction.
– Pronounced aromas of ripe black fruit — black cherries, blackberries, cassis — alongside licorice, anise, menthol, and eucalyptus.
– Notes of French and American oak add layers of cedar, coffee, and sweet spice, while gentle tertiary tones begin to emerge… but this wine is still incredibly youthful for 20 years of age.
On the palate:
– Dry, medium-plus acidity, high but integrated alcohol (14.5%).
– Big, bold tannins — yet velvety, ripe, and silky.
– Pronounced flavor intensity with black cherries, blackberries, licorice, anise, tobacco, cedar, and coffee.
What’s remarkable is how fresh and structured it still is. You expect something richer and heavier, but “Hill of Grace” shows precision, elegance, and shape. After two decades, it hardly feels mature — this wine can easily age for another 30 years!
A truly outstanding expression of old-vine Australian Shiraz. A privilege to taste.
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