Hill of Grace Shiraz 2019

From the legendary Hill of Grace vineyard, this wine originates in the Eden Valley, in the Barossa region of South Australia. Located approximately 70 kilometers north of Adelaide, this high-altitude vineyard benefits from a cooler climate than the neighboring Barossa, with cool nights that preserve the freshness of the grapes. Planted in clay-loam and sandy soils, the very old vines, some of which predate the phylloxera epidemic, produce a highly concentrated Shiraz, intimately linked to this isolated and historic terroir.

The Shiraz grapes from the historic Hill of Grace vineyard are hand-harvested, then destemmed and crushed before undergoing traditional fermentation in small, open vats, with pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color, aromas, and tannins. After pressing, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels (a proportion of which are new) for extended aging, during which it undergoes malolactic fermentation and refinement on its fine lees, before final blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of wild blackberry , black plum , and black cherry , supported by floral nuances of violet and spicy touches of black pepper , licorice , and clove . These are complemented by delicately oaked accents of vanilla , cedar , and sweet spices . On the palate, the texture is ample and silky, carried by fresh acidity, fine yet present tannins, and a long, lingering finish with spicy and fruity aftertastes.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.