At a glance

Producer

Henschke

Region

Eden Valley, South Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz (Syrah)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

USD $900–$1100 per 750ml bottle (2024 retail/auction)

Tasting profile

Plush blackberry, mulberry, blue fruit, dark plum, violets, black olive, five-spice, vanilla oak, graphite minerality—remarkable purity and power, fine layered tannins.

Evolution: Over next decade, develops truffle, leather, tobacco, smoked meats, earth, and sandalwood; fruit softens, greater harmony emerges.

At peak: At full maturity: complex bouquet, seamless structure, immense depth—classic markers of old-vine Shiraz with balance, length, and tertiary nuance.

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, fresh—alds longevity and vibrancy

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, with significant presence for aging

Alcohol

Medium to high (typically 14.5%)

Aging potential

Exceptional—20+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2040

Optimal window

2026 to 2045

Current status

Young, highly collectible, potential just starting to show

Current condition

Structured, deeply concentrated, primary fruit still dominant, integrated but robust tannins

With over 150-year-old ungrafted Shiraz vines in a cool-climate Eden Valley site, Hill of Grace begins to blossom after 7–10 years. Its profound fruit, natural acidity, and substantial but classy tannin scaffolding need time to harmonize. The 2019 vintage, from a low-yielding and concentrated year, is structured for the long haul, and cellaring to 2030+ will deliver maximum aromatic and textural reward.

Food pairing

Charred lamb rack, Wagyu ribeye, slow-roasted duck, grilled mushroom, truffled potato, aged cheddar or Comté.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has firm, fine-grained tannins and is medium-bodied, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Cover cropping, mulching, composting, minimal chemical inputs, native habitat conservation, solar energy for winery operations, rainwater harvesting, light-weight bottles, recyclable packaging.

Henschke is a leader in Australian sustainable viticulture: The Hill of Grace vineyard is farmed with minimal intervention—no herbicides, organic composts, and mulches. They participate in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, use solar energy, minimize water usage through dry farming and water recycling, and promote local biodiversity. Packaging is eco-conscious (lightened bottles). No official organic/biodynamic certification, but strong adherence to regenerative and low-impact farming. For non-Australian buyers, carbon cost of shipping is a consideration, but production footprint is best-in-class for a global icon.