Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2022

The 2022 Hill of Grace Shiraz leads with dark fruit and an abundance of exotic spice to match. The tannins are profuse here, quite distinct from the Hill of Roses tasted alongside. Star anise, cloves, cinnamon (cassia), fennel seeds and Sichuan pepper weave in and out of the blackberry, blueberry, crushed quartz/ferrous undertones. There’s a sweet rolling-tobacco character that is highly attractive and lingers through the finish. I love the 2022 vintage. It is fresh and detailed. It may forever live in the shadow of the great 2021 vintage, but not for me—I believe firmly this is a sleeper vintage and will reveal its longevity given time. The allure of it now is not in question, either. 99 points – Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate

In 2022, Hill of Grace lives up to its name! The perfume is a joyous concerto of red fruit…the palate shows incredible restraint and composure before blackcurrant notes flood in, consuming every taste bud. This time, the tannins are far more active and combative, on account of the westerly-facing aspect of this vineyard. And while the structure is incredible, there is beguiling elegance throughout. The palate shows extraordinary waves of flavour, and yet despite the depth of flavour, coolness and freshness can be found in every molecule of fruit. Many will compare it to the 2021, but this is not apples-to-apples. The weather changes everything! Instead, one must keep these two vintages standing side by side, so one can appreciate two sides of one coin and the elemental grace and unpredictability of this ancient plot of vines. 19.5+/20 - Matthew Jukes, MatthewJukes.com

Australia’s finest and most famous single-site shiraz. …It’s the aromatic detail, texture and elegance that immediately stands out with the Hill of Grace. Pure satsuma plum, blackberry and black cherry fruits with hints of bay leaf, mace, sage, Chinese five-spice, panforte, cedar, tapenade, black pepper, pan juices, graphite, dried meats and purple floral tones. The amplitude of this wine always amazes me. Everything just resonates perfectly; fruit, tannin and acidity are all in harmony and the arc across the palate is perfectly timed. Stunning. 98 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion