Overview
A rare, limited-release Shiraz sourced from Henschke's legendary Hill of Grace vineyard in Eden Valley. Hill of Roses was created to showcase exceptional fruit from younger vines in the vineyard's Post Office block, which were not yet mature enough for inclusion in Hill of Grace. The 2007 vintage offers rich red fruit, aromatic spice, refined tannins and the elegance associated with this celebrated vineyard.
Vineyard
Produced from 100% Shiraz grown in the Post Office block of the Hill of Grace vineyard in Eden Valley. The low-yielding, dry-grown vines were approximately 20 years old at the time of harvest. Despite their relative youth, the quality of their fruit warranted a separate, limited-release bottling rather than declassification.
The wine takes its name from Johann Gottlieb Rosenzweig, an early Lutheran pioneer who settled at Parrot Hill in Eden Valley. The Rosenzweig family previously owned land associated with the historic Post Office ruins, and their surname translates from German as "rose twig".
Vintage
The 2007 growing season was marked by severe drought, spring frost and significantly reduced yields across Eden Valley. Frost damage initially reduced yields by approximately 20–25%, while drought and limited subsoil moisture contributed to overall losses of around 50%.
Rainfall of approximately 70mm during veraison refreshed the vine canopy, while exceptionally hot February conditions accelerated ripening. Despite these challenges, the vintage produced concentrated fruit of excellent quality.
Winemaking
Harvested on 29 March 2007, the wine was matured in new French oak hogsheads for 18 months before bottling.
Producer Tasting Notes
Colour
Crimson red in colour.
Aroma
Seductive aromas of red fruits and plum are balanced with spicy, herbaceous nuances of sage, rosemary, clove, pepper and notes of lemony cedar.
Palate
The palate is rich and complex with sweet red cherry, raspberry and red currant fruits, elegant fine-grained tannins and a long, velvety finish.
Henschke — Reviewed November 2011
Producer
Henschke is one of Australia's most respected family-owned wineries, renowned for its exceptional single-vineyard wines from Eden Valley and the Barossa region. The Hill of Grace vineyard is internationally celebrated for producing some of Australia's most distinguished Shiraz. Hill of Roses provides a rare expression of this historic vineyard through a selection of younger, dry-grown vines.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2007
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Producer: Henschke
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Country: Australia
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Region: South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
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Vineyard: Hill of Grace, Post Office Block
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Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 14%
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Viticulture: Dry-grown, low-yielding vines
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Vine Age at Harvest: Approximately 20 years
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Harvest Date: 29 March 2007
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Maturation: 18 months in new French oak hogsheads
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Production: Limited Release
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Ownership: Henschke Family
