1998 HoG Vs 1998 Grange

Michael J · Post by **Michael J** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 11:01 am

Hi All

We have all heard the furore surrounding the Grange, but I can't recall any comments on the HoG.

Has anyone tried both of these wines and care to compare?

Regards
Michael

Mike Hawkins · Post by **Mike Hawkins** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 12:26 pm

Having tried both with a group of friends, all of us commented that Grange had significantly greater intensity and length. Both are great wines though.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 3:45 pm

The HOG is about half the price of Grange...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 3:56 pm

... half the price, and - for this vintage - about a quarter of the quality. The 1998 is not a very good HOG. I think a lot of people have just tasted it, thought that they maybe had an off bottle, then moved on rather than becoming "embroiled in controversy" by speaking up.

But then, I'm an anonymous poster, so take no notice of me.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:30 pm

doesn't matter how bad the HOG or Grange is in the off year. it still has certain qualities over many other wines that can still be classified as a great wine.

TTTM · Post by **TTTM** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:35 pm

Anonymous wrote:... half the price, and - for this vintage - about a quarter of the quality. The 1998 is not a very good HOG. I think a lot of people have just tasted it, thought that they maybe had an off bottle, then moved on rather than becoming "embroiled in controversy" by speaking up.

But then, I'm an anonymous poster, so take no notice of me.

Agree 100%, have tried 98 HOG twice and felt it 'NQR' both times.

Also to the gentleman who suggested HOG is half the price, my local assures me any variance would be due to retailer mark-up. The wholesale is only $10-20 different.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:56 am

If you are interested in the great mans (RP Jr) pronouncements:

It is hard to find a more compelling red than HenschkeÃƒâ€šÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s 1998 Shiraz Hill of Grace. Made from 100% Shiraz (from vines averaging 52-144 years of age), and aged in primarily new American and French oak for 18 months, it is unquestionably profound. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of blackberries, graphite, and subtle wood. Dense and full-bodied yet extraordinarily well-defined and layered, it remains young and backward, with tremendous potential. It is the finest Hill of Grace I have ever passed over my palate and down the gullet. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020+. 97/100

and for the grange:

The 1998 Grange will be legendary. A blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it tips the scales at a whopping 14.5% alcohol. The inky/purple color is followed by an extraordinarily intense nose of creme de cassis intermixed with blueberry and floral notes. As the wine sits in the glass, aromas of meat, plums, and cola also emerge. It is a seamless effort with sweet tannin, well-integrated acidity, sensational extract, and layer upon layer of blackberry and cassis fruit that stain the palate and fill the mouth. Its harmony, freshness, and remarkable length (the finish lasts nearly a minute) suggest an all-time classic. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030. 99/100