Henschke, Hill of Grace Vineyard, Eden Valley

Seller: Wineman1960 5

The top of the Hill

A truly iconic wine. The first vines on the Hill of Grace Vineyard, known as the ‘Grandfathers’, were planted by Nicolaus Stanitzki in 1860. The villagers built a beautiful church that same year, naming it Gnadenberg Lutheran Church, in tribute to a region in their homeland. Paul Gotthard Henschke purchased the vineyard, later planting another block of shiraz in 1910. After his death in 1914, his sons and executors Paul Alfred and Julius Philip Henschke arranged the transfer to Julius Philip. Cyril Henschke created the first Hill of Grace in 1958 from shiraz vines at Hill of Grace Vineyard, up to 100 years old. The exceptional quality wine, with its charming name, captured the imagination of wine lovers around the world. All vines are planted on their own roots. Shiraz cuttings were brought to these ancient lands by early settlers from the Hermitage region of France. Today they are a living genetic treasure, a poignant reminder of the European vine heritage destroyed by phylloxera in the late 1800s. Just half of the Hill of Grace vineyard is planted with shiraz, designated as eight individual blocks. Only the six oldest blocks are used in Hill of Grace Shiraz. Centenarian and ancestor vines provide the magical ingredients in Hill of Grace Shiraz. Majestic and gnarled, the oldest, known as “The Grandfathers”, are more than 155 years of age. They are dry-grown, which allows the plants to find balance with nature, and are naturally low yielding due to their age. They deliver small berries of incomparable texture and complexity, which give Hill of Grace its trademark elegance, intensity and finesse. The 2006 was a great vintage and is drinking at near peak now, with another 5-10years at peak. The presentation and level are superb, as has been stored in it’s own wooden presentation box. Currently lying in a wine merchants premises.