Tasting Report: Henschke New Releases

The annual release of the top Henschke single vineyard shiraz, Hill of Grace, is always framed in a set of new release wines that this year stretches right through their range, representing both the Adelaide Hills and Barossa regions.

The standout wines, all reds, came from a spread of vintages – 2010, 2012 and 2013 – and across a range of varieties. But all eyes are on Hill of Grace and the news is good in 2009. This small outpost of ancient vines in the Eden Valley has delivered a rich, profound and triumphant result in a vintage that withered many other local reds away from greatness.

It is rich, powerful, supple and balanced, very complex and will certainly perform well in the cellar. The other stars are the Keyneton Euphonium blend from 2012 and a stunning Abbot’s Prayer 2010 – I think the best release of this wine to date.

The 2013 vintage Johann’s Garden and Henry’s Seven blended reds offer high quality early drinking and mid-term cellaring and the Henschke quest to master pinot noir across in the cooler Adelaide Hills is well represented in the bold 2012 Lenswood Giles Pinot Noir.

As always, many of these are limited in quantity and will sell out fast.

Nick Stock is a renowned Australian wine writer, author, presenter and filmmaker who reports on his worldwide wine tasting experiences for JamesSuckling.com.