2016 Henschke Shiraz Hill of Grace Eden Valley 750 ml

Only one wine challenges Penfolds’ priceless Grange as Australia’s top bottle, and it’s Henschke’s Hill of Grace. The 100-point 2016 is a shining jewel of the Land Down Under, a collectible that goes head-to-head with the greatest wines in the world, bar none.

Henschke’s flagship bottle comes from the Hill of Grace Vineyard, which is named for the adjacent beautiful Gnadenberg church and boasts Shiraz vines that were planted in the 1860s. Unlike Grange, which comes from multiple vineyards, Hill of Grace is a singular expression of place, and it stands apart from one other way as well: scarcity. Fewer than 150 bottles of the 2016 were imported to the US. 

The 2016 boasts a 100-point score from James Suckling, and perfection-pushing scores from Wine Advocate and James Halliday, and it will come with perfect provenance—which means without the doubt or markups that come on the auction block or the gray market. This promises is one of the most enthralling red wine experiences you’ll ever have.

Showing a regal purple-crimson color, it’s got powerful blackberry and blueberry compote on the nose, with an intoxicating burst of sweet herbal tones reminiscent of butter-toasted sage, black truffles, pencil shavings, mocha, and spice. The rich texture tells the story of these ancient vines, and the tannins command attention up front and resolve beautifully on the finish. It’s got effortless beauty and length, with lingering notes of Asian spice and roasted meat. 

A flawless wine that shows great promise for the years to come, you can bet this will be a conversation piece at the table, whether you open it this year or in two decades.