Savage Grace Wines
Hope & Grace
Napa Valley Malbec 2006
My favorite new world producer of Malbec. Charles Hendricks Winemaker. I’ve had nearly every vintage 2018 back to 2007…first 2006 & it’s gorgeous.
Ruby, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries with a touch of strawberries & blueberries. Dark chocolate cake w/ fudge frosting, caramel, mocha, cocoa bar, malt balls, barrel pulp/powder, soft, dark spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanillin, mid berry licorice/cola, tarriness, anise, dry tobacco, dry brush/twig, limestone powder, dry top soil, candied to withering; dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets & lavender, waterfall acidity with a lush, well; rounded, knitted, evolved, softened tensioned, balanced with excellent polished & finish that lasts minutes. — 3 months ago
Henschke
Hill of Grace Keyneton Vineyard Shiraz 2019
This is the current release of Hill of Grace, the 2019, priced at $975AUD and incredibly Sold Out according to the website. Matched with the 2008 as both were from hot years. Initially a sooty, minerally earthy note on the nose. Then came Satuma Plum, blackberry, spice and pepper. Stephen said only 25% to 30% of the normal volume for sale. (Hence the Sold Out). He let us in on a secret that there will be no 2020 released. I asked if the fruit is used in another Cuvée. The answer is No - the grapes are removed and thrown out. Seems a waste. He went on to explain that H of G has a different spice character to Edelstone - more of an Asian spice. Mostly used oak is used to lessen the oak influence. Elegant yet intense and without a doubt one of the world’s great wines. Will live for decades. — 3 months ago
Etude
Heirloom Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir
Sumptuous — 5 months ago
Grace Family Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after one hour. Baking spices and sandalwood in the nose. Medium heavy body. A noble, earthy richness that I haven’t tasted in ages with well-framed tannins to complete the proceedings. Would look to give this a solid decade before tapping again but this is just phenomenal currently after the very recent release. Highly recommended for any old-school, Napa cab “tastorian.” Educates. Elucidates. Confirms. — 2 months ago
Henschke
Hill of Grace Vineyard Shiraz 2002
This is Stephen Henschke’s favourite vintage of H of G he said. This was the first vintage he bottled under screw cap and all subsequent vintages have been bottled that way. They have also experimented with the Vinolok glass stopper. As Stephen said “I love tradition and it is very important as a 6th generation family owned winery. However when tradition lets you down as it has with cork, there is time to evaluate better closures. “ He went on to say the 2002 has that distinctive Hill of Grace nose which you can’t define but it does have the trademark mint, spice and sage. The palate is profoundly intense and could go on for another 10 years but flirting with perfection right now. — 3 months ago
Frank Soldano
Light bouquet with fruit notes. Smooth start with low tannins and deep dark berries. Dark berry flavors and smooth thru the finish. — 22 days ago