Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2010

Professional Ratings

• 99 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  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.
• 98 Decanter
  Planted in 1860, these remarkable 150-year old Shiraz vines unquestionably produce one of the greatest wines of Australia. Its spice, tar and tabasco fragrance is intense and complex, repeated in a super-intense, opulent (but not sweet) palate. Pure black fruit flavours laced with spice are underpinned by an elegant balance of succulence and finesse of texture. Behind it there is a firm, muscular structure tapering to a long and satisfying finish.
• 96 Wine Spectator
  Elegant, expressive and wonderfully complex. Bergamot, sandalwood and black walnut liqueur notes add an aromatic complexity to the sleek, polished blackberry flavors. Shows a mix of power and finesse, with an epic finish. Drink now through 2032.
• 96 Wine Enthusiast
  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.
• 94 Wine & Spirits
  An elegant vintage from the Henschke family's historic vineyard, this shiraz blends fruits from generations of vines. The oldest date to the 1860s, with subsequent plantings propagated from those original vines. This 2010 has the depth of flavor and layered complexity that great old-vine fruit can give. One taster compared it to the long, slow concentration of flavor in a braise. The fruit flavors that rise out of those umami depths add tension and vibrancy to the wine, a sour cherry note of restraint to match the tannic refinement. The long, juicy fruit flavors have power without any excess weight. Built to evolve for decades.