GRAPE VARIETY
100% Shiraz from pre-phylloxera material brought from Europe in the mid-1800s and grown on the Henschke Hill of Grace Vineyard in the Eden Valley wine region, managed with organic and biodynamic practices.

MATURATION
Matured in 13% new and 87% seasoned (84% French, 16% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

DESCRIPTION
Deep crimson with ruby hues. Enchanting aromas of black plum, Dutch cocoa, blackberry, blueberry and cassis, layered with evocative spice notes of star anise, nutmeg, crushed flowering herbs, sage oil and black peppercorn. A fine and elegant palate of complex spiced dark berries, violets and hints of cedar, with refined acidity carrying feathered, velvety tannins for a long and lingering, effortless finish.

BACKGROUND
Over 180 years ago, Johann Christian Henschke came from Silesia to settle and build his farm in the Eden Valley region. By the time third-generation Paul Alfred Henschke took over in 1914, the now-famed Hill of Grace vines were more than 50 years old. The original vines, known as the “Grandfathers”, were planted around 1860 by Nicolaus Stanitzki. Hill of Grace lies at 400m altitude on deep silty loam with excellent moisture retention, opposite the historic Gnadenberg Lutheran Church—Gnadenberg meaning “Hill of Grace”.

The wine is made from a combination of:

Ancestors (over 125 years old)

Centenarians (over 100 years)

Survivors (over 70 years)

Old Vines (over 35 years)

All are planted on their own roots.

VINTAGE DESCRIPTION
2021 was an exceptional vintage. Average winter rainfall led to good budburst and fruitfulness. However, significant frost, short heat bursts in late November, and strong December winds impacted canopy development. January was dry but followed by well-timed rain at veraison. The vintage remained disease-free.

CELLARING POTENTIAL
30+ years from vintage (reviewed June 2024).

Alc/Vol: 14.0%