2017 Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz

Other Reviews....
From vines in the Hill of Grace vineyard that are too young for inclusion in the stellar Hill of Grace. Named as a tribute to Johann Gottlieb Rosenzweig, one of the early Barossa Lutheran pioneers who settled at Parrot Hill in the Eden Valley. Aromas of prime blackberry and dark plum fruits mesh with hints of pressed flowers, red cherry and mulberry high notes, spice, sage, cassis and licorice. Medium bodied, composed and displaying a wonderful sense of grace and calm with detailed red and dark fruits, powdery tannin, impeccable balance and a pitch-perfect savoury flow on the enduring finish. Drink by 2040.
97 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Wine Companion (January 2022)

This has a lot of inherent spice on the nose, such as clove, cassia and star anise, with red plums, blueberries and blackberries, as well as sage and dark-leaf herbs. So complex with a wealth of interest. The palate delivers vivid dark plum, blueberry and blackberry fruit that’s so intense and focused. There’s a very fine, silky and supple texture to the tannins and a velvety layer that is quite mesmerizing. Spices run throughout and, at the finish, blueberries and red plums abound. Long and elegant. From younger plantings in the Hill of Grace Vineyard. Drink over the next two decades. Screw cap.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.com (April 2022)

“This wine is produced from a selection of low-yielding, dry-grown Shiraz vines from the Hill of Grace vineyard that are, at present, too young to be considered for inclusion in the Hill of Grace vintages.” Matured in French oak for nearly two years, the 2017 Hill of Roses Shiraz has vitality and electricity and life. It has all of the Eden Valley hallmarks: blueberry and bacon fat, fresh acidity, licorice, allspice and deli meat. The wine is savory in the mouth, but it feels plush—despite being only medium-bodied. An interesting wine of amalgams, it is certainly incredibly distinct, and with length of flavor that plows across the palate. Looking at it beside the Hill of Grace, it is evident that the old vines bring with them a certain gravitas of tannin, which, at present, the Hill of Roses does not possess. Having said that, the two wines are different sides of the same coin, and each will have its fans. Drink 2022 - 2042.
95+ Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (May 2022)

When the 28-year-old vines mature further, this two-barrel, single-plot rarity from older cuttings is destined for Hill of Grace. From the same site, it has familial flavours of darker berry and currant, tobacco pouch, tea leaf and liquorice, but different energy and flow. Undulating powdery tannins contrast with Hill of Grace’s seamless, spicier tannins from Centenary and Ancestor vines. Summer truffle and smoky black garlic purée notes bring an umami depth of flavour to this polished Shiraz. Drink 2023 - 2035.
93 Points
Sarah Ahmed - Decanter.com (March 2022)

Material was selected from Hill of Grace vineyard, of course. A single block at that site, of sub-30-year-old vines. Not quite ready for the big show of HOG, but gets its own moniker, for now.
Soft, supple, lush kind of expression going at one speed, well. Dark cherry, new leather scents, dried rose petals, white pepper, alpine herbs. Lovely texture, spreading as it is, but there’s crisp edges and a coolness in the mix that’s very appealing – blue fruits, rose water, pepper and light green herbs. A monochromatic wine, but nicely done, and with pleasure writ large in its simplicity. Drink 2022 - 2030+
92 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front (March 2022)

A little bit bluer than Hill of Grace 2017. Fresh and aromatic. Pretty, aromatic nose that really does rather seem to smell of rose petals (power of suggestion?). Then it's much more 'serious' with real depth on the palate. Mouth-filling, richer than The Wheelwright. Long with a distinctly saline undertow and some liquorice notes. Lovely freshness, though probably Mount Edelstone is better value and the price of Hill of Roses reflects its rarity to a certain extent. Drink 2022 – 2030.
17.5 / 20 Points
JancisRobinson.com (March 2022)