2019 Hill of Grace Shiraz

The expressive and finely-tuned 2019 Shiraz Hill of Grace is generously proportioned but still holds its cards quite close to its chest at this early stage of life. There is distinctly ripe chocolate and cocoa to start before licorice, black olive and spice begin to rise. With excellent shape and composure, the seam of al-dente tannins provides both youthful drinkability and the backbone to assist with significant aging. A strong but not superlative vintage

- Angus Hughson (07/2024)

A superlative Hill of Grace, vinous and tautly composed. The sinew and torque are that of a distance runner over a sprinter, building with strength as the wine grows in the glass. While I would hold this for at least a decade, the sense is one of inchoate beauty. Riffs on dried sage, menthol, cloves, lilacs and blue fruit over anything dark or heavy. This takes me back to the way things were, perhaps, before the climate changed. Exceptional for the style. Benchmark for the site. Best after 2032. Glass stopper.

- Ned Goodwin MW (04/2024)

This strikes an impressive balance between power and elegance, with the lacy, delicate frame forming the perfect backdrop for the mix of flavors, including dark chocolate–covered dried blueberry, maraschino cherry, mocha and dried rose petal, with herbal and spice details of tarragon and chai. Expands further and further until the epic finish, where details of sandalwood and white truffle linger. Shiraz. Drink now through 2045. 200 cases made, 50 cases imported.

- M.A.W. (10/2024)

The 2019 Hill of Grace Shiraz was picked earlier than the Mount Edelstone fruit, and it was picked on a single day, on March 8. This vineyard has more silt, and it brings out anise and five spice aromas in the wine. It ripens earlier than Mount Edelstone, is darker and more concentrated than the former and brings out the concentration of black fruit and fine tannins that the Eden Valley is so capable of. On the palate, the wine is super fragrant, elegant and fine, with bone broth and rose petals, peppercorns, crushed herbs, black cherry, raspberry pip, black tea and graphite. This is an eloquent wine, and it speaks of the evocatively beautiful place that is the Eden Valley. The tannins hold the fruit in a gentle way in the mouth. It is fine, such a fine expression—I must say, it's not at all what I expected of the 2019 vintage. It's a triumph of a wine. Super. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under Vinolok. Bottle number 0074.

- Erin Larkin (04/2024)