Henschke Hill of Peace Semillon 2022
- 93
- $90
- Drink by: 2026-2046
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The vines for this exceptional Semillon were planted in 1952 and actually form part of the famous Hill of Grace Vineyard. Contrary to conventional wisdom, that vineyard has a range of varieties planted within its confines, of varying ages. The famous wine is sourced from a small patch of ancient Shiraz, but there is much more, including these old Semillon vines. Viticulture and winemaking is by organic and biodynamic practices, with maturation in older French oak barriques for a period of five months. This is the first release of this wine since 2018. Hill of Peace actually refers to the local cemetery. A shining but very pale lemon hue, the nose gives notes of spices and citrus with hints of minerality, dried herbs, florals and grapefruit pith. Beautifully balanced, this is a slightly leaner style than some. A wine of elegance and refinement with gentle fragrances, for me, it has more in common with what we might see from a top Graves (which might be appropriate given the origins of the name), than we do with Hunter Semillon. There is a fine line of acidity here and the wine is of medium length with an attractive lingering finish. It should provide pleasure for the next twenty years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
