...A towering whirlwind of intensity depth andrichness layering all sort of spicyflavors--licorice pepper cumin--with gamy blackcherry blackberry and dark plum flavors that last and last on the finish. A powerful wine thatremains elegant and refined...

The single vineyard 1996 Shiraz Hill of Grace displays ample fruit volume, excellent ripeness and generosity thanks to the vintage yet retains the Henschke house style. It opens with baked cherry and forest fruits before more earthy aged clay and terracotta tones emerge. A firm, robust, punchy palate follows, dominated by fruit pastilles and dried sage with some gamey complexity poking through. Firm yet manicured tannins with impressive balance guarantee a lengthy future. -- Angus Hughson