TN : Henschke Hill of Grace Versus Mt Edelstone 1995
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 11:13 pm
Always interesting to line these two great protagonists of Eden Valley shiraz up against each other. The stylistic differences become obvious - HofG built for the long haul whilst MtEd structured for earlier maturity. This a contentious issue for those who have enjoyed classic mid to late 80's and early 90's Mt Edelstone vintages.
1995 was a difficult vintage in the Eden Valley. Frosts played havoc aswell as drought and a dry spring. From casual conversation with the ladies at cellar door, I seem to recall Hill of Grace being particularily vulnerable to frost.
Hill of Grace Shiraz 1995. 13.8% -
Dark purple, inky black at the core with red edges.
Plenty happening on the nose. Perfumed black cherry, cassis pastille, anise and earth dominate. Complex oak nuances from malt and tar to menthol in support.
The palate is richly textured, with a layer of dark fruits up front with fennel, complex spice and menthol building on the back. A long wave of velvety and powerful tannins build a long finish ( without the powerful flavour persistance of better vintages).
Next day a touch medicinal on the palate with more leaf, oak spice and menthol coming into play- better vintages have more fruit focus.
A tough vintage, with a very well crafted and structured framework, without the usual class of fruit to fill!
90pts.
Mount Edelstone Shiraz 1995. 14.0%
Smelt like dirty sox initially. Bottle stink blew off with airtime to display dominant developed oak notes of caramel, cinnamon, vanilla and coffee. Unusual and have not noted in previous bottles. Atypical Mt Edelstone anise, cassis and spice came through. Some barnyardy notes at OK levels, however the rich dark fruits of the better bottles of this vintage were muted.
The palate a little thin with violets and anise, medium weighted with powerful long acids and integrated fine and coating tannin completing.
95 Mt Edelstone was drinking beautifully a year or two ago- the oak was complex, well crafted and sat along side a good layer of plum, licorice and cassis fruit nuances. The fruit seems to be fading quickly now. Drink up!
89pts
Good fun. Anyone in Adelaide next week want to do similar? With a better vintage. Say 1990 0r 1992.
1995 was a difficult vintage in the Eden Valley. Frosts played havoc aswell as drought and a dry spring. From casual conversation with the ladies at cellar door, I seem to recall Hill of Grace being particularily vulnerable to frost.
Hill of Grace Shiraz 1995. 13.8% -
Dark purple, inky black at the core with red edges.
Plenty happening on the nose. Perfumed black cherry, cassis pastille, anise and earth dominate. Complex oak nuances from malt and tar to menthol in support.
The palate is richly textured, with a layer of dark fruits up front with fennel, complex spice and menthol building on the back. A long wave of velvety and powerful tannins build a long finish ( without the powerful flavour persistance of better vintages).
Next day a touch medicinal on the palate with more leaf, oak spice and menthol coming into play- better vintages have more fruit focus.
A tough vintage, with a very well crafted and structured framework, without the usual class of fruit to fill!
90pts.
Mount Edelstone Shiraz 1995. 14.0%
Smelt like dirty sox initially. Bottle stink blew off with airtime to display dominant developed oak notes of caramel, cinnamon, vanilla and coffee. Unusual and have not noted in previous bottles. Atypical Mt Edelstone anise, cassis and spice came through. Some barnyardy notes at OK levels, however the rich dark fruits of the better bottles of this vintage were muted.
The palate a little thin with violets and anise, medium weighted with powerful long acids and integrated fine and coating tannin completing.
95 Mt Edelstone was drinking beautifully a year or two ago- the oak was complex, well crafted and sat along side a good layer of plum, licorice and cassis fruit nuances. The fruit seems to be fading quickly now. Drink up!
89pts
Good fun. Anyone in Adelaide next week want to do similar? With a better vintage. Say 1990 0r 1992.