Product Info:
The Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2009 represents the pinnacle of the Henschke family’s long-standing commitment to exceptional winemaking. Renowned as one of Australia’s most iconic wines, Hill of Grace showcases the perfect synergy between nature and craftsmanship, bringing to life a wine that is rich in complexity and refined in its elegance. Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1858, the Hill of Grace vineyard is a true Australian treasure, producing Shiraz that speaks to the land’s unique terroir and the generations of care invested in its vines.
In the 2009 vintage, Henschke's legendary winemaker, Stephen Henschke, has once again crafted a wine that is both powerful and poised, with a bouquet of spiced red and black flowers and fruits, balanced by deep, earthy undertones of cedar and liquorice. A testament to the quality of the vineyard and the meticulous winemaking process, this wine has a classic medium-bodied structure that effortlessly combines richness with finesse, showcasing the complexity that Hill of Grace is known for.
Maker:
Henschke is one of Australia's most prestigious and historic wineries, with over 153 years and six generations of family ownership. Located in Keyneton, South Australia, within the renowned Eden Valley wine region, Henschke has built a legacy of crafting premium wines, including its iconic single-vineyard wines, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone. Since 1862, the Henschke family has cultivated exceptional vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Stephen and Prue Henschke, the fifth-generation winemaker and viticulturist team, have led the winery since 1979, restoring native vegetation and adopting organic and biodynamic vineyard practices. The sixth generation, led by Johann Henschke, continues to honour the traditions of the past while embracing modern winemaking techniques to ensure Henschke remains a leader in fine wine production.
Henschke's commitment to sustainability and excellence has garnered numerous accolades, including the Wine Enthusiast's New World Winery of the Year (2021) and the Halliday Wine Companion's Winery of the Year. The winery has also been recognised with the Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem, highlighting its dedication to environmentally conscious practices.
Philosophy
Henschke’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that great wines are made in the vineyard. The winery has embraced organic and biodynamic farming practices, ensuring the health of the vines and the land for future generations. By working with nature rather than against it, they produce wines that are not only reflective of the place but also allow the true expression of the fruit to come through. The family’s attention to detail, commitment to quality, and respect for the environment have resulted in a portfolio of wines that have gained worldwide recognition for their excellence.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Fragrant, Spicy, Complex
An enticing bouquet of spiced red and black flowers, ripe black fruits, and a subtle hint of liquorice. Additional layers of cedar, earth, and sweet vanilla oak emerge, creating a complex, multi-dimensional profile that continues to evolve with each swirl.
Palate
Full-Bodied, Plush, Elegant
An ultra-smooth, full-bodied experience. Blackberries, dark plums, and mulberries is beautifully complemented by exotic cinnamon-like spices, dark pepper, and nuances of raisins.
Finish
Long, Sweetly Fruited, Structured
Sweet, syrupy fruit profile of small dark berries and plums gently fading, leaving behind a satisfying, gamey sweetness. Tannins and oak continue to provide structure, promising continued development in the bottle.
Reviews + Accolades:
Medium to deep garnet-purple in colour, the nose on the 2009 Hill of Grace is a little closed, though it reveals notes of warm black plums, blackberry coulis and cloves with subtle nuances of dried Provence herbs, forest floor and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses layers of medium to full-bodied black fruit and earth-laced flesh elegantly structured by a medium to firm level of finely grained tannins, nicely balanced acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2026+. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 97 points
Full crimson-purple; the fragrant bouquet of spiced red and black flower and fruit aromas, the palate so perfectly proportioned and weighted it is easy to just drink it, knowing it ticks each and every box for a classic medium-bodied shiraz. But there's much more to be discovered: the cedar, earth and licorice subtext to the primary web of black fruits and superfine tannins will do for a start. - James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion - 97 points
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2009
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
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