HENSCHKE Hill of Roses Shiraz 2021

Robert Parker Score: 97 points

Reviewer: Erin Larkin — March 2025 Week 427 Mar 2025

Drink 2025–2041

In 1986, a mass selection from the grandfather vines was taken and planted in the Mount Edelstone vineyard. As a result of this, the Henschke's decided to plant to the post office block—right next door to the Hill of Grace vineyard. This was in 1989, and it has given them the opportunity to assess at what point the vines move from young vine to established vines. The most obvious young-vine characteristic, to my palate, is the register of fruit: this 2021 Hill of Roses Shiraz is eminently red-fruited, while the Hill of Grace is black and blue. Another is the tannins, which don't serve to carry the fruit as far through the finish here as they do in the Hill of Grace. Still silty and ultra-fine, they provide pliable structure and chew through the finish. This has notes of pressed garden rose, ozone and wet asphalt. It's a beautiful wine, fresh and vibrant. The vines were 32 years old at the time of the single-pass harvest in 2021. This is excellent. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.