Henschke

Hill of Grace Shiraz 2008

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  Vintage 2008
  98 points www.winecompanion.com.au

Deep purple-crimson, even after five years. It is explosively rich and decadent, with oceans of sumptuous black fruits which have soaked up the new and used French oak, and carry the alcohol with contemptuous ease. The grapes were picked early each morning between March 9 and March 13, after the heatwave had started, but before its conclusion. Each block was separately made and matured, and the final blend is not made until shortly before bottling.

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  Vintage 2008
  98 points www.jamessuckling.com

Excellent vintage. A much anticipated wine that has terrific colour and depth, the nose has almost bottomless depth and richness, very very dark spice and dark plum fruit aromas with baking spices and fragrant exotic Eastern spice notes, plenty of baking spice here too, a very composed wine. The palate has immensely supple and deep, dense tannins, terrific strength and length and layers of ripe, rich dark plum and cherry fruit flavour. Tannins drive sheet-like through the palate and deliver long and juicy, the oak is beautifully matched and there''s a super creamy graphite-tinged impression with an immense future ahead. Drink in 2030.