Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz 2018

Hill of Roses is named as a tribute to Johann Gottlieb Rosenzweig, one of the early Barossa Lutheran community who settled at Parrot Hill in the Eden Valley. Their toil, perseverance and conservatism in hardship has meant the many generations that followed have rejoiced in the riches of those efforts. The wine is produced from a small selection of low-yielding, dry-grown shiraz vines from the Hill of Grace Vineyard, planted in 1989 and named the Post Office Block. These vines were a mere 12 years old when the wine was first produced in 2001 and therefore considered too young for inclusion into Hill of Grace Shiraz. The Barossa Old Vine Charter states that a Barossa Old Vine is equal to or greater than 35 years of age. The quality of the grapes however, warranted a separate bottling and limited release, and continue to do so. The historic Parrot Hill Post Office ruins overlooking the vineyard are on the land that was previously Rosenzweig property, the Rosenzweig name translating from German to ‘rose twig’. 

A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that the vines grew well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer led to the potential for near average yields. Late December became warm and dry, curing healthy canopies with low disease pressure. The summer months of January and February were typically warm and dry, characterised by above-average overnight temperatures March and April provided light and warmth to the Eden Valley which led to full and balanced maturity being achieved across all grape varieties. With warm sunny days and cool nights, the dry autumn guaranteed that pristinely healthy grapes arrived in the fermenters All in all, the 2018 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade. Shiraz was certainly one of the highlights of the season, fittingly so in the year Henske celebrated their 150th anniversary of family winemaking.

The 2018 Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz is made from 100% 29-year-old shiraz, grown on one single block at the Henschke Hill of Grace Vineyard in the Eden Valley wine region, managed with organic and biodynamic practices. Matured in 29% new and 75% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Deep ruby with ruby hues Fragrant aromas of blackberry, wild red berries, blueberry, star anise and pepper, with hints of vanilla pod, sage, bay leaf, crushed herbs and cooking spices. The palate is rich and textural, with a vibrant core of blueberry, redcurrant and black cherry, supported by rosemary, thyme, anise, pepper and cedar, and beautifully balanced by lifted acidity, offering excellent depth and length, with amazingly fine velvety tannins.

Hill of Roses stands alone with its joyous, aromatic-led personality, its warmth wrapped in dark fruits earth and woods spices, its balance and its length. To borrow from the maker a long, linear, cool line of tannin makes for a relaxed and inviting wine. - Jeni Port, Winepilot, 98 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%