Ranked #3 of 17 1996 Shiraz from Eden Valley
95/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Exceptional vintage. Medium brick-red with a tawny rim, and the wine looks a little more developed than expected. Peppermint aroma. Bright, fresh and youthful on the nose and palate. A big, bold, bright fruited minty style with firm persistent tannins and youthful structure. Very long, and seems set for a very long life. Serious wine.
Tasted: 12/03/2013
Drink: 2013 to 2025
92 Points Robert Parker
Deep garnet-brick in color, the 1996 Hill of Grace reveals a nose redolent of cherry pie, incense, Chinese five spice, soy and cigars. Very spicy in the mouth, it has balanced acid and a medium level of chewy tannins before finishing long. It is mature now but no rush to drink.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. April, 2013
97 Points James Halliday
Sits on the right hand of Grange, equally deified, and now challenging its (Grange's) price; for a vintage such as 1996 no one is likely to complain. Deep red-purple; the bouquet is exceptionally rich and ripe (for the often reserved style) with lusciously sweet blackcurrant, blackberry and mint fruit cascading through to the palate. Drink to 2026.
Source: James Halliday. October, 2000
Deep garnet-brick in color, the 1996 Hill of Grace reveals a nose redolent of cherry pie, incense, Chinese five spice, soy and cigars. Very spicy in the mouth, it has balanced acid and a medium level of chewy tannins before finishing long. It is mature now but no rush to drink. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) April, 2013 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown