Henschke Hill of Grace 2021

Region and Vineyards

Hill of Grace comes from Eden Valley in South Australia, within the wider Barossa zone, yet its altitude gives the wine a cooler, more fragrant and more sculpted identity. The vineyard sits at about 400 metres elevation, in a shallow fertile valley north-west of the Henschke winery, opposite the old Gnadenberg Lutheran Church. Gnadenberg, a Silesian name, means "Hill of Grace."

The site is one of Australia's most treasured single vineyards. Shiraz vines were planted around the 1860s by Nicolaus Stanitzki, with the oldest vines now more than 150 years old and the average vine age around 100 years. 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 vines. The vineyard is nurtured under biodynamic principles.

Winemaking

Henschke Hill of Grace 2021 is made from 100% Shiraz, sourced exclusively from the Hill of Grace Vineyard. The first single-vineyard Shiraz from this site was made by Cyril Henschke in 1958, using handpicked grapes vinified in traditional open-top fermenters. That historic approach remains central to the wine's identity, allowing fruit purity, structure and site expression to lead.

The 2021 vintage was fermented in traditional open-top concrete tanks and completed full malolactic fermentation. It was matured for 18 months in hogsheads, using 86% French and 14% American oak, with 33% new and 67% seasoned barrels. The wine is dry, with 0.8 g/L residual sugar, 6.3 g/L acidity, pH 3.49 and 14.5% alcohol. The result is concentrated yet finely balanced, with freshness, polish and long-term ageing potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Dark crimson with deep garnet hues, showing impressive concentration and youthful depth.
• Aroma: A concentrated bouquet of mulberry, blackberry and dark plum, layered with savoury notes of charcuterie, cedar, sage, five spice and subtle anise.
• Palate: Plush, velvety and deeply fruited, with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise. Silky tannins build through a refined structure, leading to an exceptionally long finish.

Did you know?

Hill of Grace is one of Australia's most evocative vineyard names. It comes from Gnadenberg, meaning "Hill of Grace," the name of the nearby Lutheran church and a reference to a picturesque region in Silesia. The oldest Shiraz vines, planted around the 1860s, make this vineyard a living monument to old-vine Australian wine heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic: The wine's dark fruit, sage and spice notes mirror the aromatics of the dish, while its tannins handle the richness.
• Dry-aged ribeye with peppercorn jus: The depth of blackberry and plum, supported by fine tannins, makes a powerful match for marbled beef.
• Venison loin with blackberry and juniper sauce: Game and dark berry flavours highlight the wine's savoury, spicy and forest-fruit dimensions.
• Wild mushroom and truffle risotto: Earthy umami tones bring out the cedar, spice and savoury complexity of this refined Shiraz.

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.