2009 henschke, hill of grace vineyard, eden valley
Why We're Buying
Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz is the highest-priced red wine from the Eden Valley. It doesn't just live up to the hype, though; it exceeds it. No vintage has ever scored lower than a 93-point rating from a major publication, with the 2015 vintage earning a perfect score from critic James Suckling, who called it "a collector's dream."
Critics Scores
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose on the 2009 Hill of Grace is a little closed, though it reveals notes of warm black plums, blackberry coulis and cloves with subtle nuances of dried Provence herbs, forest floor and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses layers of medium to full-bodied black fruit and earth-laced flesh elegantly structured by a medium to firm level of finely grained tannins, nicely balanced acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2026+.
James Suckling
One of the most triumphant top tier South Australian reds from the 2009 vintage, this has a layered and luxurious feel to it - a trademark array of spice and fruit characters with a lot of sage, fresh blackberry and toasty oak, some more meaty fermentation-derived notes and a graphite edge, smoky too - there's plenty going on here. The palate is supple and even, good fleshy berry fruits and genuine depth on offer, tannins have a polished sheen to them, layered and supple, great fleshy volume and drive. It is deeply ripe and the tannin structure is both subtle and profound. It resonates long, very deep, very enduring, supple and fleshy with a sapid, purring finish. Impressive wine. Drink in 2019.
Wine Spectator
This sings like a chorus that never runs out of breath. Layers of currant and dark plum fruit harmonize with black walnut, licorice, smoke and coffee notes, weaving through the long and immensely expressive finish. Has depth and great presence. Shiraz. Best from 2018 through 2030.