The 2009 Henschke Shiraz Hill Of Grace, a Syrah varietal, hails from the Eden Valley in South Australia. This wine showcases the hallmark characteristics of a top-tier South Australian red, balancing robust fruit flavors with complex earthy undertones.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 97, noting its medium to deep garnet-purple color. Reviewer Lisa Perrotti-Brown described the nose as "a little closed" initially, but revealing "notes of warm black plums, blackberry coulis, and cloves with subtle nuances of dried Provence herbs, forest floor, and lavender." She commended its medium to full-bodied black fruit and earthy flesh, structured by finely grained tannins and balanced acidity, recommending it be enjoyed now through 2026+.
Wine Spectator rated the wine slightly higher at 98 points, praising its harmonious layers of currant and dark plum fruit that "sing like a chorus that never runs out of breath." The review highlighted the wine's depth and presence, with flavors of black walnut, licorice, smoke, and coffee weaving through its long, expressive finish. The reviewer, HS, suggested that the wine would be at its best from 2018 through 2030.
James Suckling also gave the wine a high score of 97, calling it "one of the most triumphant top tier South Australian reds from the 2009 vintage." He noted the wine's layered and luxurious feel, with a complex array of spices, fresh blackberry, toasty oak, and meaty fermentation-derived notes. Suckling emphasized the wine's supple and polished tannins, describing it as having "great fleshy volume and drive" with a "sapid, purring finish."
The 2009 Henschke Shiraz Hill Of Grace stands out for its deep, enduring flavors and well-structured composition. It is a wine that exemplifies the quality and complexity expected from a premier South Australian Shiraz, making it a noteworthy addition to any wine enthusiast's collection.