Henschke Hill Of Grace Vineyard 55th Anniversary Eden Valley Shiraz 2012 (750ML)

99 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Hill of Grace Shiraz is a little reticent on the nose to begin, opening out to a somewhat paradoxically tantalizing Black Forest cake, beef dripping, fertile loam and tree bark nose with hints of black pepper, Marmite, bay leaves, eucalyptus, licorice and baker's chocolate. The medium to full-bodied palate is a wonderfully intricate mélange of mineral, savory, dark fruits and spice layers, framed by velvety tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing epically. This is a truly great Hill of Grace that has just entered the first stage of its drinking window and should continue to develop beautifully over the next 25+ years." 08/17

98 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "One of the great iterations of this regal single site wine. Very spicy, dried ground baking spices on the nose as well as dried sage leaves and other roasting herbs and a kind of wet chalky element too. Not the saturation and swagger of 2010 or 2009, a very tightly cut palate that's contained and reserved. Plenty of fine layers here and the sustained length is a real thing of marvel. The nose has all the blackberry and dark cherry fruits on offer with a wealth of fresh-roasted coffee, plums and blackberry. Tight and contained, real elegance with power and a long, fresh and even-handed finish. Best give this some time to fill out. Will be complete around 2025 and historic tastings would suggest it will really peak around 2035." 03/17

98 Points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator: "This is wonderfully harmonious, refined and elegant, blending a supple, silky texture with a profound level of detail. Aromas of mahogany, cedar, juniper and black truffle mingle with a core of bright cherry and cranberry flavors, gaining momentum and traction on the epic finish. Shiraz. Drink now through 2040. 50 cases imported." 06/17

96 Points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast: "From the relatively cooler climes of Eden Valley, Henschke's most famous wine focuses on expressing the unique terroir of its 10 acres of 150 plus year old vineyards rather than on power, oak and extraction. This translates to savory and earthy secondary characters at the fore, highlighting herbal notes with licorice, currants and cocoa powder. The palate is silky and savory, and while the toasty oak notes are apparent, they're kept in check with wonderfully balanced acidity. Approachable now, it will morph into a thing of stunning beauty with time. Drink now-2037."

99 Points, Sarah Ahmed, Decanter: "A mild vintage with an Indian summer fluently articulates Eden Valley's lifted, aromatics. Distinctly Australian rat-a-tat peppertree and black pepper notes bring percussive resonance to a fresh, intense blackberry and raspberry core interlaced with dynamic mille-feuille tannins, earthy beetroot, piquant pimento, mulchy tobacco and dried flower riffs. This demonstrates exceptional balance, length and finesse, and is broachable now but will reward patience. Aged for 18 months in 85% French and 15% American hogsheads, 58% new. (Drink between 2018-2050)"

96 Points, Josh Greene, Wine & Spirits: "The original vines were 100 years old when Cyril Henschke made the first vintage of Hill of Grace, named for the Gnadenberg Church that watches over the vineyard. His family had sustained those vines while propagating new blocks from the "Grandfathers," a program his nephew Stephen Henschke has sustained, in part, by marrying well-his wife, Prue, is one of Australia's leading viticulturists and has dedicated no small part of her career to studying what sets the Hill of Grace vineyard apart and developing selections from its ancient vines. While rarity and demand have sent the price into the stratosphere of the world's top wines, this 55th vintage stands in that company with the kind of clarity and numinous elegance few parcels of vines in the world can give. It has the weightless concentration of flavor that transforms meaty black cherry, licorice and olive notes into a lasting impression of freshness. It's also there in the texture, which feels ample, rich and as transparent as fine silk. A great vintage of Hill of Grace, the 2012 will likely be at its best between ten and 20 years from the vintage, and will live well for decades." 02/18