The 2021 Henschke Shiraz Hill of Grace from South Australia's Eden Valley is highly acclaimed, receiving stellar reviews from numerous wine critics. This Syrah, produced by the esteemed Henschke winery, is crafted from vines over 150 years old. It carries an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed under a screw cap.
James Suckling awards this wine an outstanding score of 99, describing it as "incredibly fresh and refined," with "balanced acidity" and "seamlessly integrated tannins." He notes complex flavors of "mulberries, cassia bark, pepper, violets and licorice," calling it "an icon of Australia" and advising to "drink or hold."
Decanter also praises the wine with a score of 98, noting its "subtle waves of flavor" and "effortless balance." The tasting note highlights an array of flavors including "red plum, cedarwood, bitter cocoa, Szechuan peppercorns, blood oranges and garrigue." The wine is described as "tightly coiled," with a potential for "mature splendour" as it ages.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoes this sentiment, also scoring it 98, and emphasizes the wine's connection to its "ancient place," with "black silty tannins" and "persistent, seamless length." Reviewer EL describes it as a "magnificent, graceful wine" that reflects the meticulous work of generations in the vineyard.
Vinous, awarding another 98, describes the wine as "a star in the making," with "rocky, licorice, blackberry, and dried herb aromas." The review highlights the "extraordinary" palate, noting the wine's "quality of tannins, pithy texture and strident composure."
Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard also gives a 98, appreciating its "poised and classy" character, with notes of "plump plum, blackberry, Chinese Five spice." She suggests it's set to become "one of the great Grace vintages."
Finally, Wine Spectator, with a matching score of 98, describes a "stunner" wine with "waves of flavor and detail," featuring "ripe black cherry, wild blackberry," and more, noting its "epic finish" and advising it can be enjoyed now through 2039.
