Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2010 (RP99)

Country:             Australia
Region:               Eden Valley Rating:                RP99, JS99, JH99, WS96, WE96
Grape Variety:  100% Shiraz
Type of Wine:   Red Wine
Bottle Size:        750ml

By Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 99
Medium garnet in color, the 2010 Shiraz Hill of Grace reveals a slightly reticent yet beguiling nose of kirsch, dried mulberries and plum preserves with nuances of star anise, potpourri, cloves, dusty earth and menthol. Medium to full-bodied with youthfully taut, mouth-filling perfumed berry preserves and exotic spice flavors, the fruit is well framed by rounded, polished tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredible length. It could still benefit from 2-4 years in bottle before entering its drinking window but is already stunning.

James Suckling 99
The 2010 vintage will be remembered as one of the most perfect renditions of this single site planted to vines dating back to 1860. The signature spice and sage leaf are here. It's bursting with an array of dark brown spice aromas and pepper. The fruits run from raspberry to deep blackberry, cassis and blueberry fruits. Blue plums too. The palate is immensely smooth and soft. It floats with richness yet lightness. The balance is superb and the finish runs so long and deep. It goes on seemingly endlessly, saturated in old vine Shiraz flavour yet perfectly poised. This is the Eden Valley equivalent of Burgundy's Le Chambertin, a a bottomless well of flavour, elegant yet profoundly powerful and the finest release yet in a superb run of recent vintages.

James Halliday 99
From a very good vintage, the colour shows no sign of age, the bouquet and palate reminiscent of a Beethoven symphony, throbbing with power, its black fruits in a web of fine, ripe tannins, building inexorably to the last movement, constantly revisiting and rephrasing all that has gone before.

Wine Spectator 96
Elegant, expressive and wonderfully complex. Bergamot, sandalwood and black walnut liqueur notes add an aromatic complexity to the sleek, polished blackberry flavors. Shows a mix of power and finesse, with an epic finish. Drink now through 2032.

Wine Enthusiast 96
Is this the Yin to Grange's Yang? The wines are completely different, yet almost always destined to be discussed together. The 2010 HoG is aromatic and bright, with raspberry and cranberry fruit notes, hints of mint and a pinch of peppery spice. It's full-bodied, but with elegant, supple tannins that ease gently into a long, crisp finish. Drink now–2030.