Hill of Grace is a unique delineated single historic vineyard. The famous century-old Hill of Grace vines were planted around the 1860s by an ancestor, Nicolaus Stanitzki, in rich alluvial soil in a shallow fertile valley just north-west of the winery. The vineyard lies opposite a beautiful old Lutheran Church, built of local field stone, which was euphoniously named Gnadenberg, meaning ‘Hill of Grace’.
Stephen and Prue, 5th generation husband and wife curators, make an inspiring viticulturist & winemaker duo and together are responsible for such famed wines as Hill of Grace, Mt Edelstone, Cyril Henschke, and more. Recently rated Australia's top Shiraz by James Halliday, the Hill of Grace is front & center of Australia's most coveted reds. The Henschke portfolio is well-worth exploring – each wine individually showcases Prue's intensely focused care in the vineyards and Stephen's intensely focused care in the winery.
The year 2002 goes down as being the coolest, windiest ‘non-summer’ on record, following on from the hottest summer on record in 2001. It was preceded by a wet winter and a spring that was cold, wet and windy. The drizzly cold weather affected the flowering and caused poor fruit set, commonly known as ‘hen and chicken’, leading to very little fruit. In particular riesling and shiraz, Eden Valley signature varieties, were the worst affected with crop reductions leaving less than 20% in some varieties. In addition the season was 2–3 weeks late due to the unseasonable cold weather. With the smaller crop level, the balance of sugar, flavour and natural acidity in the fruit were excellent.
Despite the pitiful crop 2002 was one of the most exceptional vintages ever, helped by the warm dry Indian summer autumn period, providing sensational colours, flavours and ageing potential.
Very deep crimson in colour. Rich complex aromas of plum, prune, blackberry and blueberry with licorice, tar, exotic spices, chocolate, cedar and mint. The rich, complex palate is lush, dense and concentrated with layers of flavours and textures. Excellent acid/fruit balance, velvety tannins and exceptional length
Exceptional vintage, drink now to 2012+
