Joan Ziegler

9.2

Diora Pinot Noir from Monterey. Rich depth of black fruit nuances from Santa Lucia Highlands. Decanted to let it open up. Very enjoyable. — 5 months ago

David Shaw

9.0

Purple red, very good clarity, medium pigment extraction. Cherry, raspberry aromas with some barrel wood. On initial pour, cola, black pepper and sour plum. Soft mouthfeel but slightly bitter finish. Needs time to open. After two hours, flavors resolve into tart plum and some cola with slight pomegranate finish, mild skin astringency, good balance, almost no bitterness. A different take from previous vintages but solid rendition of the variety. — a year ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

This is a non vintage blend and where the Hendricks fruit goes when Charles doesn’t deem it perfect for his private label Hendricks. This is what I miss from the new winemaker at James Cole, it is very elegant.

The palate is round, lush, ruby, creamy fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, blue fruit hues. Dark and milk chocolate-more dark, caramel, black and some red licorice/cola, herbaceous notes, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, sandalwood, barrel powder, soft Indian spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich soil, a fresh dark and mid red floral bouquet, excellent round acidity with a well structured, knitted, very well balanced and polish for days. Lasts two minutes plus. — 2 years ago

Leo Gentile

9.1

Second bottle from purchase last fall. Pale garnet with a hint of brick red. Jammy raspberry on the nose. Bright red raspberry delicate tannins delicious wine with Easter ham. Color is a little concerning — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Henschke is better known for its stellar old vine Shiraz like Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone and others. I didn’t realise that they made a Pinot Noir until I went to the Henschke master class weekend with Steven and Pru Henschke. This comes from the Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. This wine has a lovely red fruited nose with a toffee note. The palate shows a dirty strawberry on the light to medium weight palate but exhibits mid palate intensity carrying its 18 years of age with ease. I should find out if Henschke have persisted with the style because it is excellent but I don’t see it offered anywhere. — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

This is a Henschke Shiraz Cuvée I haven’t tried before but it is from the Eden Valley where the legendary Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone come from. Made from 55 year old Shiraz vines. Cherry and raspberry aromas underpinned by savoury, peppery spice and dried potpourri florals. Not unlike Mt Edelstone in that respect. The palate is rich and round with some old vine persistence supported by bold tannins. Celebrating at The Melbourne Cup - the horse race that stops a nation on the first Tuesday in November. — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.1

The 2020 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a terrific appellation-level wine. Hints of pear, mint, lemon peel and white flowers all grace this expressive, sculpted Chardonnay from Brewer-Clifton. My only quibble is a slightly aggressive edginess that hopefully will soften over time. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

This is the current release of Hill of Grace, the 2019, priced at $975AUD and incredibly Sold Out according to the website. Matched with the 2008 as both were from hot years. Initially a sooty, minerally earthy note on the nose. Then came Satuma Plum, blackberry, spice and pepper. Stephen said only 25% to 30% of the normal volume for sale. (Hence the Sold Out). He let us in on a secret that there will be no 2020 released. I asked if the fruit is used in another Cuvée. The answer is No - the grapes are removed and thrown out. Seems a waste. He went on to explain that H of G has a different spice character to Edelstone - more of an Asian spice. Mostly used oak is used to lessen the oak influence. Elegant yet intense and without a doubt one of the world’s great wines. Will live for decades. — a year ago

Kevin Ferguson

9.5

Had w spring pea ravioli and lemon — 2 years ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.8

Voted WOTN for good reason. This has been a bucket list wine for me. Some sections of this famous vineyard were planted in 1860 but all of the vines are ridiculously old. It’s bombastic and really stands out from the crowd. Very expressive both on the nose and on the palate. Full bodied and multi layered. Creamy and rich texture. Dark berries, plums, coffee, cigar, orange peel, eucalyptus, soy, cigar box and an array of oriental spices. Probably at a peak right now, such a joy to drink. — 2 years ago