On first sniff, I immediately knew this wine was different than any Aussie Shiraz that I had come across.  Actually, this wine was different than any wine I had come across.  I didn't know what to expect from a sibling of the venerable "Hill of Grace" Shiraz.  And I got way more than I expected.  This tasting provided epiphany after epiphany.

Deep crimson with bright purple hues. Intense and spicy aromas of briary blackberry, blueberry, plum, violets and crushed herbs, with hints of sage, black pepper and leather. The palate is rich and lush, with concentrated raspberry, plum and blackcurrant fruit, moving through to more complex flavors of dark chocolate, ground coffee and a hint of anise, balanced by fresh and lifted acidity, and an elegant finish of long, fine-grained, velvety tannins.

Blend: 100% Shiraz

94 Wine Spectator

Impressive, this is both powerful and elegant, with bittersweet chocolate, fresh blackberry and strong Earl Grey tea flavors that are spicy, aromatic and harmonious. Features fresh-cracked black pepper, a hint of spearmint oil and a touch of cigar box on the long, expressive finish, with polished, dense tannins

94 Wine Enthusiast

Henschke’s signature Shiraz aromas of beetroot-like earthiness is on display her such as roasted root vegetables and very dark chocolate woven with luscious plum and dark-berry fruit. The palate is bold and fruit driven, framed in spicy, chalk dust tannins. A chiseled, still somewhat austere wine that should evolve greatly with time in bottle.