1980 Henschke Hill of Grace

Tasting Notes sourced from Henschke Wines.

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% old vine Shiraz from pre-phylloxera material brought from Europe by the early German settlers in the mid 1800's.

HISTORY: The famous 100 year old Hill of Grace vines were planted around the 1860's by an ancestor, Nicolaus Stanitzki, in rich alluvial soil in the shallow fertile valley just north-west of the winery. The vineyard lies opposite a beautiful old Lutheran church, built of local field stone, which was euphoniously named Gnadenberg, meaning "Hill of Grace". Made using traditional open top submerged cap fermentation and matured in American and French oak barrels.

VINTAGE DESCRIPTION: An excellent vintage producing superb quality. Good winter rains, mild spring, relatively cool summer and dry conditions during harvest.

WINE DESCRIPTION: Ruby/brick red in colour, sweet spicy complex blackberries/plums and leafy violets mingled with vanilla and cedary oak, showing some leather, pepper and tar development aromas, mid-weight palate, elegant with soft tannins, good structure and length.

QUALITY ASSURANCE: This wine was assessed, under the supervision of Stephen Henschke, winemaker of C.A. Henschke & Co.

CELLARING POTENTIAL: Excellent vintage, drink now. Decant before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Lamb, veal, kangaroo, venison, game, duck and matured cheeses.