Wine Advocate
"98 pts ... The 2005 Hill of Grace is 100% Shiraz sourced from vines ranging in age from 57 to 149 years with the original planting in 1860. It was aged in 100% new French and American oak for 21 months. It is opaque purple/black with a spectacular bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, truffle, lavender, anise, mulberry, and plum. Loaded on the palate and already complex, this sweetly-fruited wine is surprisingly elegant as well as powerful, the iron fist in the velvet glove. It has a finish lasting over 60 seconds and will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2035." --12/09

Wine Spectator
"98 pts ... A gorgeous wine, smooth, polished, silky and seductive, teeming with licorice- and exotic spice-tinged blackberry, cherry and roasted meat flavors. Exquisitely balanced, sporting a finish that keeps undulating for minutes on end. Magnificent stuff. Shiraz. Drink now through 2020." --10/11

James Halliday
"96 pts ... Has a fragrant and expressive bouquet of plum and blackberry fruit with a strong spicy overlay, oak evident but not aggressive; the velvety, supple palate is laden with perfectly ripened black fruits and soft tannins in gentle support; has the hallmark seductive style of Hill of Grace." --04/09

Winemaker's Notes
"Deep crimson with vibrant hues. Complex aromas of blackberry, mulberry and plum with exotic Asian spices, tar, anise and cedar. The sweet, fleshy palate is soft and lush with excellent structure and depth finishing with fine, velvety, mature tannins, great length and intensity."

Technical Notes
"Matured in new French (65%) and American (35%) hogsheads for 21 months prior to blending and bottling. 14.5% alc."