The 2004 Henschke Shiraz Hill of Grace from Eden Valley, South Australia, is a celebrated vintage known for its complexity and elegance. This Syrah, characterized by its deep garnet color, is praised for its balance and long-lasting flavors.
James Halliday highlights its "extreme length and great balance," noting the presence of "berry fruits and seductive spicy notes" that define its medium-bodied nature. Scoring a remarkable 97, Wine Spectator describes it as "ripe, supple, and seamless," with flavors of "cherry, plum, and fresh orange peel." The review emphasizes its "creamy-textured finish" and suggests enjoying it now through 2020.
Wine Enthusiast scores it at 95, emphasizing the wine's transformative nature with aeration, leading to a rich, "creamy-textured and lush" mouthfeel. The review notes flavors reminiscent of "plum pudding" and "hints of grilled meat," suggesting aeration enhances its elegance. However, it raises the question of affordability at $25 per ounce.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awards it a 96, focusing on its rich profile of "warm black fruits, black plums, and cassis," complemented by "Mediterranean herb, spice box, and truffles nuances." The wine's "medium to firm, rounded tannins" are noted, with a "peppery and earthy finish" and potential for aging well into 2030.
James Suckling praises the vintage's return to form, scoring it 96 and noting its "warm baking spice fragrance" and "sweet plum pie, cherry, sage, and pomegranate" complexity. The "assertive" acidity and "dense and dark juicy" flavors are highlighted, with a suggested drinking window starting in 2028.
Finally, Vinous describes it as "beautifully composed," radiating flavors of "mulberry, blackberry, dried mint, and sage," with a "decadent palate" and "chalky tannins." These reviews collectively affirm the 2004 Hill of Grace as a standout vintage, exemplifying the quality and finesse of Henschke's craftsmanship.