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Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2006
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The 2006 Hill of Grace has been described as an 'exceptional vintage'.
'96 POINTS. There’s plenty of tasteful malty nutty oak, a little minty fragrance, spice and pepper with rich black and blue fruits. It’s full bodied with a slippery seductive texture - the tannins super fine but fully supportive of the rich fruit. Savoury oak shows a firm hand at this early stage, but is in harmony. I noted a slight saltiness and warmth too, but not as negatives. Combines intensity and abundant flavour without being heavy or leaden. Superb long peppery finish. It’s surprisingly approachable now, and with a good decant will make a satisfying drink for the rich and/or hasty, although obviously its best days are ahead of it.' - Gary Walsh, winefront.com.au
'97 POINTS. OK, it's not exactly a giveaway price but it deserves its place amoung the great wines of the world. Lovely spicy concentration of fruit with lifted aromas that are floral and pure. Palate is intense and very powerful with a silky smooth tannin and oak-infused texture. It has real power and concentration. It's lively, robust and showing great intensity. Wonderful balance and poise and a wine that will cellar for many years. The spicy characters and quite profound. Perfect with roast lamb on the weber.' - 19 June 2010, Ray Jordan, West Australian.
"97 POINTS. Bright red-purple; highly fragrant spice, cedar, red and black berry aromas, oak evident but not excessive; it has a silky, velvety texture and mouthfeel to a beautifully balanced medium-bodied palate brimming with black fruits; wonderful length and finish. Surely one of the best Hill of Graces." - James Halliday.
More about collectors these days rather than simple consumption, it is an iconic wine representing great quality and strength.
The famous Shiraz vines at Hill of Grace vineyard in Eden Valley are nearly 150 years old. Only Penfolds Grange vineyard rivals it in terms of prestige, however, unlike ‘Grange’, each bottle of Hill of Grace Shiraz is made entirely from grapes grown in the namesake vineyard.
The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley. After a late break in mid-June 2005, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties, such as riesling and shiraz, suffered more than others from poor set, leading to ‘hen and chicken’. While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a minor impact on the overall yield; however, yields in most varieties were down by 15-20%. The summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit.
Dark crimson in colour. A complex, spicy nose of tar, anise, blackberries and blueberries with hints of five spice, vanilla and cedar. The sweet, lush and fleshy palate displays great depth and texture, with excellent length and intensity and fine, velvety tannins.
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| Don't Pay: $610
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WBW Rating: 99/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Eden Valley SA |
Winemaker: Stephen Henschke
Drink now until: 2026
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %
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