Bob McDonald

9.8

Still a very dense crimson with no tawny rim, at 28 years of age but the tawniness is beginning. A certain feral, Animale, earthy note. Palate is ultra smooth, medium bodied / very savoury yet with a sweetish earthy note with a hint of raspberry. Jancis Robinson was invited by Stephen Henschke to a vertical tasting at the winery in May 2013 to cover vintages back to the late 1950’s. She described the 1996 as “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. Medium plus intensity on the delicious palate with those gnarled old 150 year vines showing through. An absolutely stunning wine - one of the best we’ve had this year. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Delectable - this is the Sami Odi Our Hill Cuvée. Notes later. 2021 vintage. This is the 2nd ever vintage of Our Hill from Sami-Odi from Shiraz grapes grown in the Eden Valley. The 3rd vintage released earlier this year only had a production of around 280 bottles (weather problems - hail) and sold out in under 30 minutes. I missed out. Delectable has done well to recognise this bottle - very cryptic even on Fraser McKinley’s highly cryptic labelling standards. I made a note of the first Our Hill about 93 weeks ago. All whole bunch vinification. Quite rich for an Eden Valley Shiraz. Interestingly Fraser says “Our Hill “ is best enjoyed over the next few years in its youth (finest on the day of opening) contrary to the old vine Hoffmann wines. Reminiscent of Henschke Mount Edelstone in some respects without the longevity of Edelstone probably. Delicious nonetheless. — 2 months ago

Doug Powers

9.2

Mostly Shiraz (70+%), the remainder Mataro, more structured than the Henry’s Seven, more darkfruited, Mataro is pretty evident, long finish, needs 5-7 years, lovely juice!! — 8 days ago

with Jim

Adam Gäfvert

9.0

Medium to full bodied. Bright and fresh. Blue fruits, black tea, slate, sage, dried flowers. Fiery finish. — 2 months ago

Travis W

9.0

We had our last bottle ten years ago and this little beauty is still going strong. It's mellowed a touch but still fresh as a daisy. No toasty elements here, it's all mouthfilling goodness. Fresh acid holds it all together. Not amazingly complex but still good for another 10 years I reckon. — 5 months ago

Matt Perlman

9.3

Really gorgeous, Bordeaux like with leafy tobacco and cedar to complement the ripe jammy fruit — 9 months ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Ripe, redfruited, earthy southern Rhône-style blend, smooth and rich, medium-long finish, needs a few years of cellaring, very nice!! — 8 days ago

with Jim

VA

9.3

Drinking in 2024. At it’s peak. — a month ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Crisp, minty, crystalline Aussie Riesling. Lime and petrol for days. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

This is a Henschke Shiraz Cuvée I haven’t tried before but it is from the Eden Valley where the legendary Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone come from. Made from 55 year old Shiraz vines. Cherry and raspberry aromas underpinned by savoury, peppery spice and dried potpourri florals. Not unlike Mt Edelstone in that respect. The palate is rich and round with some old vine persistence supported by bold tannins. Celebrating at The Melbourne Cup - the horse race that stops a nation on the first Tuesday in November. — 6 months ago