Overview
One of Australia's most prestigious and collectible Shiraz wines, Henschke Hill of Grace is produced from a historic single vineyard in Eden Valley, home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines. The exceptional 2002 vintage combines remarkable depth, aromatic complexity and refined structure, earning 98 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Jeremy Oliver.
Sourced from ungrafted vines growing on their own roots, including the historic Grandfathers block planted around 1860, this iconic wine expresses the extraordinary heritage and character of the Hill of Grace vineyard.
Vineyard
Hill of Grace is a historic, delineated single vineyard situated approximately 4km northwest of the Henschke family winery in Eden Valley, at an altitude of around 400 metres. The vineyard lies on gentle slopes with an average annual rainfall of approximately 520mm.
The original vines were planted around 1860 by early Silesian settlers. The vineyard includes the renowned Grandfathers block, together with younger plantings such as the Centenarians (over 100 years), Survivors (over 70 years) and Old Vines (over 35 years), all planted on their own roots.
Vintage
Following one of the hottest summers on record, the 2002 growing season was cool and windy, with an unprecedented wet winter and spring. This affected flowering and fruit set, resulting in a very small crop.
Despite the reduced yields, the cooler conditions delayed ripening by approximately three weeks and encouraged a long, gradual maturation period. The resulting wines displayed excellent balance, flavour concentration and natural acidity, making 2002 an outstanding vintage for long-term cellaring.
Winemaking
The Shiraz grapes were harvested between 18 and 21 March 2002. The wine was matured for 18 months in new French and American oak hogsheads before blending and bottling, followed by bottle ageing in the Henschke cellar for museum release.
Producer Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep crimson with brick-red hues.
Aroma
Expressive and complex aromas of plum, rhubarb, dark berry fruits, interlaced with exotic spices, liquorice, sage leaf and cedar.
Palate
The palate is focussed, concentrated and textural with a pure core of red and black fruit and spice flavours, balanced by a driving, vibrant acidity. Layered, velvety tannins glide along the mid-palate to reveal a long finish.
Henschke — Reviewed June 2023
Critic Reviews
98/100 — Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
Tasted April 2013
98/100 — Wine Spectator
Tasted November 2007
98/100 — Jeremy Oliver
Tasted January 2003
96/100 — Wine Enthusiast
“This is a bold, full-flavored, authoritative example of Eden Valley Shiraz.”
“Cool-climate notes of cracked pepper elegantly frame waves of blackberry fruit”
Tasted January 2007
Producer
Henschke is one of Australia's most celebrated family-owned wineries, with a winemaking heritage dating to the 19th century. Based in Keyneton in South Australia's Eden Valley, the estate is internationally renowned for its exceptional single-vineyard Shiraz, particularly Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.
The Hill of Grace vineyard takes its name from the historic Gnadenberg Lutheran church, whose name translates from German as "Hill of Grace". The vineyard's ancient, own-rooted vines and distinctive Eden Valley terroir have established this wine as one of Australia's most significant fine-wine icons.
Specifications
-
Vintage: 2002
-
Producer: Henschke
-
Country: Australia
-
Region: South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
-
Vineyard: Hill of Grace
-
Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
-
Wine Style: Still Red Wine
-
Sweetness: Dry
-
Alcohol: 14.9%
-
Viticulture: Organic practices, own-rooted vines
-
Vineyard Heritage: Original plantings dating to approximately 1860
-
Harvest: 18–21 March 2002
-
Maturation: 18 months in new French and American oak hogsheads
-
Cellaring: Bottle-aged in the Henschke cellar
-
Release: Museum & Rare Release
-
Ownership: Henschke Family
-
Drinking Window: Now–2045+
