1988 Henschke Shiraz Hill of Grace
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Shiraz Hill of Grace is an impressive result from an unsettled vintage. It shows considerable underlying power and ripeness with baked cherry, dark licorice, fennel seed and violet aromas. It has a real Claret feel; the powerful fruit is beautifully composed and well-matched to a firm bed of acidity and tannin that drive a surprisingly long and sustained finish. The 1988 is a surprise and will drink well for some time.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted in the reputational shadow of the 1986 and coming from a more difficult vintage (spring hail, January heatwave, cool February), and yet, to me on this occasion, it’s a more attractive wine. Yes, you can taste the hot summer in the aromas of dusty earth and darker fruit, but there’s a lovely vitality to the wine, a finesse to the tannins, a completeness to it. (MA)
The 1988 Hill of Grace is medium deep brown in color and replete with earthy and leathery aromas marred by a touch of rancio /aldehydic notes that seem to recover after a few minutes and show some treacle and Indian spice hints. It is an interesting wine, though just a bit flat and tired on the palate with of medium level chewy tannins, crisp acid and a good length on what remains of the fruit. It is mature. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993
Mid, slightly grey ruby. Low-key nose. Then wonderfully rich, sweetness on the palate. No saltiness in this case! Rich yet delicate and no exaggeration. Grainy finish. Real lift to this wine. And quite a bit of development and complexity – yet there is energy still too. Most impressive. So long! (JR)