Bob McDonald

9.9

This is Stephen Henschke’s favourite vintage of H of G he said. This was the first vintage he bottled under screw cap and all subsequent vintages have been bottled that way. They have also experimented with the Vinolok glass stopper. As Stephen said “I love tradition and it is very important as a 6th generation family owned winery. However when tradition lets you down as it has with cork, there is time to evaluate better closures. “ He went on to say the 2002 has that distinctive Hill of Grace nose which you can’t define but it does have the trademark mint, spice and sage. The palate is profoundly intense and could go on for another 10 years but flirting with perfection right now. — 2 months ago

Paul Weil

9.1

This impressive Cabernet-dominant blend would be Bordeaux-style except for the splash of Petite Sirah in the mix. It is medium bodied, with blueberry and pepper spice. There’s a bit of a licorice or anise flavor to the finish, which kept me sipping! We enjoyed this with a traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage.

76% Cabernet Sauvignon
8% Merlot
8% Malbec
8% Petite Sirah — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — 10 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

This is the current release of Hill of Grace, the 2019, priced at $975AUD and incredibly Sold Out according to the website. Matched with the 2008 as both were from hot years. Initially a sooty, minerally earthy note on the nose. Then came Satuma Plum, blackberry, spice and pepper. Stephen said only 25% to 30% of the normal volume for sale. (Hence the Sold Out). He let us in on a secret that there will be no 2020 released. I asked if the fruit is used in another Cuvée. The answer is No - the grapes are removed and thrown out. Seems a waste. He went on to explain that H of G has a different spice character to Edelstone - more of an Asian spice. Mostly used oak is used to lessen the oak influence. Elegant yet intense and without a doubt one of the world’s great wines. Will live for decades. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Delectable - this is actually the George V Grenache from the Barossa. Understandable it is not in your Database as it’s a relatively new Cuvée for Henschke. At the Henschke weekend at Spicers Maryvale with Stephen and Pru Henschke tasting the full range. An excellent wine showing raspberry and red berries but I still prefer McLaren Vale for Grenache. — 2 months ago

Kristin Yankauskas

9.4

Unfiltered watermelon pink rose. Chewy, sweet candy on the nose with a hint of floral rose. Bright acidity with a saltiness to it. Grippy with long mouthfeel. Really dimensional and delicious! — 9 months ago

Christa Bender

9.3

A wonderful combo of honey, rose, amd orange blossom. Very good ice cold and the sweetness changes as it dances on your tongue. — a year ago

with Jennifer

Bob McDonald

9.5

The final few wines from the Henschke weekend at Spicers Peak Lodge. The Wheelwright Vineyard was planted in 1968 in the Eden Valley by Cyril Henschke. Has the same Sage and Pepper characters similar to Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace. Crushed herb characters and red fruit. Full bodied and promising a long cellar life. HH says to 2036. The wines name pays tribute to the founder, Johann Christian Henschke who established the family winery in 1868. He arrived as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright. — 2 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.1

I believe this is my first time with a Henschke white. Intense citrusy nose along with florals and undertones of petro (nothing even close to a Grosset). A very zesty palate of some orchard fruit and plenty of acid. A moderate finish that I expect will extend once things better integrate. I assume like many Australian rieslings this will age , Is that a valid statement @Bob McDonald ? — 2 months ago

Colin Cahoon

9.2

Raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark cherry, and cedar on the nose. In addition to the above, the palate adds cranberry, dark cherry, black pepper, dark plum, and cocoa. Medium alcohol, high acid, a long finish, and medium plus tannins, more of a Bordeaux style, although it is a bit fruit forward. My experience with Red Rose Hill cabs is that they need age on them to shine. At the 13 year mark, this vintage is at its prime. — 9 months ago