Henschke Hill of Grace

Hill of Grace by Henschke

Henschke Hill of Grace is a highly regarded Australian wine made by the Henschke Winery. It is a Shiraz blend from a single vineyard in the Eden Valley region of South Australia and is considered one of Australia’s premier red wines. The wine is known for its complex and balanced flavour profile, which typically includes notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak. Henschke Hill of Grace is a limited production wine and is in high demand, with vintage releases often selling out very quickly. It is seen as an iconic wine in Australia.

1. What is the history of the Henschke winery?

The winery has a long and rich history dating back to the 1860s. It was established by Johann Christian Henschke, a German immigrant who arrived in South Australia in the mid-19th century. He established the winery on land in the Eden Valley region and began producing wine using traditional German winemaking methods.

The winery has been passed down through five generations of the Henschke family, with each generation building upon the winery’s reputation for producing high-quality, distinctive wines. Today, the winery is run by fifth-generation winemakers, Stephen and Prue Henschke, who continue to uphold the winery’s commitment to sustainable and traditional winemaking practices.

The winery’s vineyards are managed using organic and biodynamic methods, which emphasize the use of natural techniques and resources to promote healthy vine growth and minimize environmental impact. The winemakers strive to produce wines that reflect the unique character of the Eden Valley region. Henschke has received numerous accolades and awards for its wines and is recognized as one of Australia’s top producers.

The winery is also known for its use of old-vine fruit, with some of its vines dating back over 100 years.

Henschke is also one of Australia’s  First families of wine, and actively participates in its programmes. For more information on the First Families of Wine just click here.

2. Sustainability at Henschke

The winery participates in the major sustainability programmes being rolled out in Australia, these can be seen at www.sustainablewinegrowing.com.au/about-us/  , and it also has its own more encompassing plans for the future.  You can also see our previous post on this subject www.auswinesonline.co.uk/new-sustainability-programme-in-australia/ .

The focus areas are;

• Organic viticulture: The winery uses organic techniques to manage its vineyards, including the use of compost and other organic matter to nourish the soil and promote healthy vine growth.
• Biodynamic farming: Henschke practices biodynamic farming, which involves the use of lunar and cosmic rhythms to guide vineyard management. This method aims to promote a healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem in the vineyard.
• Minimal intervention winemaking: Minimal intervention winemaking techniques are used by Henschke , to allow the natural flavours and characteristics of the grapes to shine through in the wine. This involves avoiding the use of chemicals and other artificial additives and allowing the wine to ferment and age in a natural way.
• Water conservation: Henschke implements water conservation measures to minimize the use of water in its vineyards, such as using drip irrigation systems and harvesting rainwater. This is addressing a major challenge now due to the current climate change issues.

These practices help Henschke to produce high-quality, environmentally responsible wines while maintaining the unique character of the Eden Valley region.

3. Hill of Grace

Henschke has a strong reputation for producing premium red wines, including the iconic Hill of Grace Shiraz blend.

• Hill of Grace 2016

Hill of Grace 2016 is a premium red wine produced by Henschke Winery in the Eden Valley region of South Australia. The wine is a blend of Shiraz grapes grown in vineyards surrounding the winery. It is one of Australia’s most famous and sought-after red wines, known for its rich, complex flavour profile and exceptional aging potential. The 2016 vintage is no exception, offering a deep ruby colour and intense aromas of black fruit, spices, and earthy notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and smooth, with flavours of dark fruit, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The tannins are firm but refined, and the wine has a long, smooth finish.

Henschke Hill of Grace 2016 is a wine that can be enjoyed now but will also benefit from cellaring. It is a great choice for special occasions and for wine collectors who appreciate premium, long-aging red wines. We have one bottle still in stock, available by clicking here

• Hill of Grace 2017

Hill of Grace 2017 is deep crimson in colour with violet hues. It has lifted, exotic aromas of star anise, sage, bay leaf and fennel frame dark and brooding blackberry, Satsuma plum, mulberry and red currant notes. The palate is rich, plush and concentrated with amazing depth and complexity from succulent plum, blackberry and blueberry revealing star anise, black pepper, charcuterie and cedar. Balanced acidity provides freshness and structure, while layers of silky tannins result in an elegant finish with exceptional length.

Due to the limited production from this single vineyard, a limit of 1 bottle per person has been applied in Australia to this vintage. Interestingly we had six bottles in stock and no such restriction applies with us, although we now only have two bottles left in stock.

This year for the first year in the UK, we have been restricted by the importers to a limited allocation of some top end Henschke wines. Obviously, these wines will be increasingly difficult for customers to source, although our relationship with the winery and the importer means that we still have some limited stock availability. You can purchase our limited stock of Hill of Grace 2017 by clicking here.

In the past Hill of Grace has always been rationed, and available only through specific outlets and in relatively small quantities. This year however this rationing has now extended to more of the Henschke range including Mount Edelstone, Cyril Sauvignon and Keytone Euphonium.  It shows in the age of increasing uncertainty and squeezed incomes that truly great wine of this quality will always be valued and in demand. You can see what is available now by going to the website by clicking this link.

We have highlighted this vineyard in the past in one of our earlier blog posts. See more at this blog post.

4. Which other wines do Henschke produce?

Henschke produces a range of red and white wines, including:

• Red Wines:

Mount Edelstone Shiraz

Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon

Johann’s Garden Shiraz-Viognier

Keyneton Estate Euphonium Shiraz

Giles Lenwood Pinot Noir

Henry’s Seven SGV

• White Wines:

Julius Riesling

Louis Semillon

Peggy’s Hill Riesling.

All these are available to purchase from our website by clicking here.

In addition to these, Henschke also produces a range of other red and white wines, as well as fortified wines. The winery is known for producing high-quality, distinctive wines that express the unique character of the Eden Valley region.

Henschke Hill of Grace, a fabulous wine from a truly great iconic family vineyard. You can find more information on the winery by going to its website through this link.

NOW AVAILABLE 2018 Hill of Grace

I really love their wines.