Always highly anticipated, the Henschke Hill of Grace is out now (May 5), with the 2016 vintage of the pinnacle shiraz scoring 99 points from Halliday Wine Companion chief editor Tyson Stelzer. The celebrated wine marks the 59th vintage – and 55th release – for the family winery, which is the reigning Halliday Wine Companion Winery of the Year.
The 2016 Hill of Grace ($890) headlines the winery’s single-vineyard shiraz releases, which this year include the 2016 Hill of Roses Eden Valley Shiraz ($415) and 2016 Mount Edelstone Shiraz ($225). The trio of regional flagships are sourced from two old single vineyards in the Barossa’s Eden Valley.
The Hill of Grace site is in a shallow alluvial valley northwest of Henschke’s winery, with the oldest vines dating back to 1860. Overseeing them is viticulturist Prue Henschke, who follows organic and biodynamic practices to ensure the vines thrive within the native landscape. Prue has also been busy leading the regeneration of the winery’s Adelaide Hills Lenswood vineyard following the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire.
Winemaker and viticulturist duo, Stephen and Prue Henschke.
Prue’s husband, Stephen Henschke, has been at the winemaking helm for four decades, and believes the 2016 vintage will be recognised for its deep-coloured, plush and dark-fruited wines. He describes the new releases as “concentrated, complex, vibrant and energetic”, adding that the vintage was characterised by average yields of small berries and exceptional high quality.
The 2016 Hill of Grace ($890) headlines the winery’s single-vineyard shiraz releases, which this year include the 2016 Hill of Roses Eden Valley Shiraz ($415) and 2016 Mount Edelstone Shiraz ($225). The trio of regional flagships are sourced from two old single vineyards in the Barossa’s Eden Valley.
The Hill of Grace site is in a shallow alluvial valley northwest of Henschke’s winery, with the oldest vines dating back to 1860. Overseeing them is viticulturist Prue Henschke, who follows organic and biodynamic practices to ensure the vines thrive within the native landscape. Prue has also been busy leading the regeneration of the winery’s Adelaide Hills Lenswood vineyard following the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire.
Winemaker and viticulturist duo, Stephen and Prue Henschke.
Prue’s husband, Stephen Henschke, has been at the winemaking helm for four decades, and believes the 2016 vintage will be recognised for its deep-coloured, plush and dark-fruited wines. He describes the new releases as “concentrated, complex, vibrant and energetic”, adding that the vintage was characterised by average yields of small berries and exceptional high quality.
“[The 2016 wines] are very much akin to high-quality vintages such as 1988, 1994 and 2008, all of which were picked on early Easters and have shown exceptional ageing potential in ideal cellaring conditions,” he says.
The three shiraz are the flagships of the Henschke portfolio, which comprises a wide range of styles offering excellent value, including the Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz Mataro ($38), Innes Vineyard Pinot Gris ($37), and Henry’s Seven Shiraz Grenache Mataro Viognier ($37).
The three shiraz are the flagships of the Henschke portfolio, which comprises a wide range of styles offering excellent value, including the Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz Mataro ($38), Innes Vineyard Pinot Gris ($37), and Henry’s Seven Shiraz Grenache Mataro Viognier ($37).
Henschke is our 2021 Halliday Winery of the Year. Learn more about our other major award winners here.
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