Henschke Hill Of Grace 2015

Scores

100 / 100

"A significant vintage for Hill of Grace, as the last 2015 red to leave the Henschke cellar, and a wine that delivers on every ounce of its promise and then some. The nose is so complex and fragrant with trademark brown spices taking center stage, amid light espresso, sage leaves, blackberries, cinnamon, anise, orange peel, ripe dark plums, pepper, gun smoke and a gentle, dried-rose edge. The palate has such impressive layers of fine tannin that make an instantly seamless, powerful and focused impression. It has architectural style with clean lines that build and ascend out of the finish. Long, spiced blackberries and dark plums are extruded in formation with such finesse and power. The acidity holds a torch to the rich, ripe plums and blackberries, illuminating freshness at the finish. A wine that will develop in a very consistent manner and likely to be at its best some 20 years from now. A collector’s dream. Vinolok closure."
- James Suckling

99 / 100

"Henschke says the '15 vintage provided stunning and elegant Eden Valley shiraz with extraordinary flavours, purity of fruit and acid balance. And indeed that's a fair description of this medium-bodied Hill of Grace. The colour is still bright, clear crimson-purple, and the beautifully balanced fruit flavours are vibrantly fresh. It would be easy to underestimate the likely longevity of this wine. One of the all-time greats"
- James Halliday

98 / 100

"The 58th vintage and 54th release of this famous Shiraz, from a 4ha vineyard of up to 160-year-old vines. There’s intriguing darkness and complexity in a heady perfume of measured black fruits and dried sage, unfurling layers of juicy cranberry, Chinese five spice and black pepper. There’s open-hearted generosity on the palate, although firm, fine tannins provide a sturdy frame – yes, it has big shoulders but no sign of a chubby midriff. And there’s also a luscious silky texture, with bright acidity and tannins ensuring sustained tension, without intruding on the extraordinary long flavours. Such precise balance shows the potential for excellent ageing."
- Decanter

98 / 100

"I briefly thought about just cutting and pasting the review of the 2014 into this space for the 2015 Hill of Grace Shiraz, but on further reflection, there are some differences between them—and isn't that one of the reasons we love wine? Scents of smoked meat and mocha accent notes of black olives and blackberries, joined by subtle notions of resinous herbs, while the full-bodied palate comes across as slightly weightier, richer and more velvety in texture than the 2014. Not as elegant perhaps, but more concentrated and powerful on the long, long finish."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

96 / 100

"Almost overwhelming in its complexity. Firm dried berry, fresh loamy earth, sanguine and roasted herb notes give this a savory profile at first. Additional details of roasted cumin seed, cinnamon, tobacco and toffee emerge, each new element building seamlessly upon the last. Dense, succulent tannins take this to the next level. Shiraz. Drink now through 2040."
- Wine Spectator

Tasting Notes