Ranked #1 of 127 2008 Shiraz from Eden Valley
99/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Very deep, concentrated brick-red colour of appropriate maturity, the bouquet dominated by earthy/forest-floor savoury tertiary aromas with old leather armchairs, terracotta and dried porcini mushroom aromas to the fore. A subtle trace of licorice. Sumptuous palate flavour, with masses of tannin but also a core of sweet fruit endures. The finish is energetic and driving, the aftertaste lingers on for an eternity. A majestic mature shiraz in the prime of lts life. A great wine!
Tasted: 21/02/2024
Drink: 2024 to 2033
96 Points Robert Parker
According to Stephen Henschke, the 2008 Hill of Grace Shiraz was among the earlier picks that vintage, avoiding the worst of the heatwave that followed. It was never the most elegant or perfumed vintage, but it's rich and creamy, loaded with mocha and blackberry flavors. Full-bodied and intense, it remains rather big and muscular, with a slightly coarse but tremendously long finish. It could go another 20 years in a cool cellar.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Joe Czerwinski. August, 2018
96 Points Robert Parker
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 Hill of Grace has a slightly closed nose before giving subtle notes of ripe black cherries, blackberries and violets with hints of cedar, pepper, green tea and cumin. There's a slight raisin character on the full-bodied palate with crisp acid, dense fruit and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long. Drink it from 2017 to 2035+.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. April, 2013
98 Points James Halliday
Deep purple-crimson, even after five years. It is explosively rich and decadent, with oceans of sumptuous black fruits which have soaked up the new and used French oak, and carry the alcohol with contemptuous ease. The grapes were picked early each morning between March 9 and March 13, after the heatwave had started, but before its conclusion. Each block was separately made and matured, and the final blend is not made until shortly before bottling. Drink to 2038.
Source: James Halliday. February, 2013
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 Hill of Grace has a slightly closed nose before giving subtle notes of ripe black cherries, blackberries and violets with hints of cedar, pepper, green tea and cumin. There's a slight raisin character on the full-bodied palate with crisp acid, dense fruit and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long. Drink it from 2017 to 2035+. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) April, 2013 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown