Henschke Hill of Grace 2019

Region and Vineyards

Hill of Grace comes from Eden Valley in South Australia, within the greater Barossa zone, yet its personality is cooler, more lifted and more aromatic than many Barossa Valley Shiraz wines. The vineyard sits near Keyneton at about 400 metres elevation, around 4 km north-west of the Henschke winery, facing the historic Gnadenberg Lutheran Church that gives the wine its name. "Hill of Grace" is the English translation of Gnadenberg, a Silesian name carried to Australia by early settlers.

The site is one of Australia's most revered single vineyards. Shiraz vines were planted here around the 1860s by Nicolaus Stanitzki, with the oldest own-rooted vines now among the world's treasured survivors of pre-phylloxera genetic material. The soils are alluvial sandy loam over clay, with red-brown earth grading to deep silty loam, giving valuable moisture-holding capacity for dry-grown ancient vines. The vineyard is managed under organic and biodynamic practices, reinforcing its old-vine balance and low-yielding intensity.

Winemaking

Henschke Hill of Grace 2019 is made from 100% Shiraz, sourced from the historic Hill of Grace Vineyard. The first single-vineyard Shiraz from this site was made by Cyril Henschke in 1958, establishing one of Australia's most collectible and terroir-driven red wines. Grapes are handpicked and vinified in traditional open-top concrete fermenters, a method that preserves texture, aromatic purity and the vineyard's naturally savoury detail.

The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation and was matured for 18 months in hogsheads before blending and bottling. The 2019 maturation regime used 86% French and 14% American oak, with 33% new and 67% seasoned barrels. This careful oak handling frames rather than masks the fruit, allowing mulberry, blackberry, plum, sage, cedar and five-spice notes to unfold with polish. At 14.5% alcohol, with 0.5 g/L residual sugar and 5.6 g/L acidity, it is structurally dry, balanced and built for long ageing.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Dark crimson with deep garnet hues, suggesting both youthful concentration and the first signs of graceful evolution.
• Aroma: Layered and intensely perfumed, opening with mulberry, blackberry and dark plum, followed by charcuterie, cedar, sage, five spice, anise and subtle savoury oak.
• Palate: Plush, velvety and precise, with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise carried by silky tannins. The finish is exceptionally long, elegant and finely detailed.

Did you know?

The oldest Hill of Grace Shiraz vines, known as "The Grandfathers," were planted around the 1860s and remain on their own roots. These rare vines are a living link to European vine heritage before phylloxera devastated many of the continent's vineyards in the late 19th century. Their tiny berries bring the wine its signature combination of intensity, elegance and finesse.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic: The wine's dark fruit, sage and fine tannins echo the lamb's savoury richness while refreshing the palate.
• Dry-aged ribeye with peppercorn jus: Shiraz's blackberry depth, spice and polished structure make it a luxurious match for marbled beef.
• Venison loin with blackberry sauce: Game brings out the wine's charcuterie, cedar and five-spice notes, while the berry sauce mirrors its dark-fruit core.
• Mushroom and black truffle risotto: Earthy umami flavours highlight the wine's savoury complexity and soften its youthful tannic frame.

History of Henschke Estate

The Henschke estate was established in 1868 by Johann Christian Henschke, who emigrated from Silesia, Germany, to Australia in the mid-19th century. The winery gained early recognition for its quality wines and has been passed down through generations, each contributing to its legacy.

Cyril Henschke, representing the third generation, was a pioneering winemaker who introduced single-vineyard wines, including the now-iconic Hill of Grace in 1958. His innovative approach and commitment to quality set the foundation for the estate’s modern reputation.

Today, the estate is managed by fifth-generation winemakers Stephen and Prue Henschke, who continue to uphold the family’s traditions while integrating sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. Under their leadership, Henschke has maintained its status as one of Australia’s premier wine producers, celebrated globally for its exceptional wines.

Region and Vineyards

The Henschke vineyards are located primarily in the Eden Valley, with some holdings in the Barossa Valley. The Eden Valley's elevation and cooler climate provide ideal conditions for growing premium grape varieties, particularly Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils in this region are diverse, ranging from sandy loam over clay to rocky schist, contributing to the complexity and unique character of the wines.

The Hill of Grace vineyard is perhaps the most famous, featuring some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, planted in the 1860s. These ancient, dry-grown vines produce grapes of remarkable depth and intensity, forming the backbone of Henschke’s flagship wine.

Other notable vineyards include Mount Edelstone, renowned for its Shiraz, and Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, known for its cool-climate varieties.

Wine Range

Henschke offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of their respective vineyards. The portfolio includes:

• Hill of Grace: An iconic single-vineyard Shiraz, known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.
• Mount Edelstone: Another distinguished Shiraz from ancient vines, celebrated for its rich flavors and elegant structure.
• Keyneton Estate Euphonium: A harmonious blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, showcasing the synergy of Barossa and Eden Valley fruit.
• Johann’s Garden: A tribute to the early German settlers, this blend of Grenache, Mataro, and Shiraz is vibrant and aromatic.
• Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon: Named after Cyril Henschke, this wine exemplifies the excellence of Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Tilly’s Vineyard: A crisp and refreshing white blend, highlighting the diversity of the Henschke vineyards.

Did you know?

The Hill of Grace vineyard, located opposite the historic Gnadenberg Church, draws its name from the German term Gnadenberg, meaning "Hill of Grace." This vineyard, with vines over 150 years old, remains ungrafted and is one of the few pre-phylloxera vineyards in the world. The Henschke family’s dedication to preserving these ancient vines showcases their commitment to heritage and excellence in winemaking.