The 2010 Henschke Hill of Grace was released on May 1st. This is a vintage blessed by nature, says fifth generation Henschke winemaker Stephen, comparing the release to the prized years 2002 and 2005.
From a tiny four-hectare site in South Australia’s Eden Valley, overlooked by the spire of the historic Gnadenberg church, the Henschke family’s single-vineyard shiraz has quietly carved out a name alongside the great single-vineyard wines of the world. Pioneered by fourth generation winemaker Cyril Henschke in 1958, the release of 2010 Hill of Grace marks the 52nd season and the 32nd wine crafted by Stephen Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue.
Henschke Hill of Grace is held in the greatest esteem by generations of Australian and international wine lovers. Deeply connected to the Australian landscape, each vintage represents a piece of the journey of the Australian wine story. Following the philosophy of Henschke forebears, Henschke Hill of Grace is carefully nurtured using biodynamic and organic principles. The yield from the dry-grown ancestral vines now over 150 years of age, is always low with the small berries delivering incomparable texture and complexity.
Every year is a limited release, including the 2010 vintage, but some are more limited than others. There was no Henschke Hill of Grace made in 2000. Just one barrel was produced in 2003; no vintage in 2011, and extremely tiny releases pending for 2013 and 2014.
To share an insider’s view of the 2010 vintage, the Henschke family asked celebrated Barossan artist Rod Schubert to capture the essence of their ancestor vines in a year graced by radiance.
The final artwork is a triptych; a series of three vines, which glow with light and soul.
Rod Schubert hopes his work does the subject justice. “I was absolutely captivated by the dignity and age of these ancestors; it’s almost as if the vines themselves have an inner glow that only comes with time and maturity. I wasn’t trying to paint a simple vine; I was trying to portray an incredible life force that spans 150 years.”
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