Deep brown in color, the 1959 Hill of Grace is showing some volatile acid and mushroom aromas at first, though these aromas fade into background with swirling and give way to notes of prunes, fertile earth, sandalwood and baking spices plus the faintest whiff of dried cherries. Medium to full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, it is framed by a nice backbone of medium to high acid and a medium level of velvety tannins before finishing long. It is better in the mouth than on nose, though the nose emerges after about 30 minutes of aeration in the glass before fading. It is mature. The 1960 Hill of Grace was not made because it was a drought year and the grapes dried up on the vine.
Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993