Hickinbotham - Clarendon Vineyard
Releasing icon wines in the age of COVID has proved a challenge for some, but for others, like Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard winemakers (Napa-based) Chris Carpenter and (McLaren Vale icon) Peter Fraser, the tyranny of distance has been a non-issue.
At the beginning of each year, Chris and Peter traditionally spend 6 weeks together in McLaren Vale, walking and tasting in the vineyards. When Chris returns to the USA, they do the rest of their collaboration virtually. So, new for us, business as usual for them.
The following wines have just been released and have already lapped-up BIG reviews from the country’s leading wine writers. Please see below.
Hickinbotham 'The Nest' Cabernet Franc 2018
Shit the nest! Second release of a straight Cab Franc from Hickinbotham, and it’s a beauty. Ripe dark raspberry, pencils and fine spicy biscuit oak, good perfume, a smattering of sweet dusty herbs and mint. It’s packing in plenty of ripe red and black fruit, roasted red pepper, feels supple and firm at once, and has a great sense of energy too. It’s succulent yet controlled. It lays on the charm and doesn’t let go. Of all the 2018 Hickinbotham releases, this is the wine that speaks to me most clearly. It’s exceptional. 96 Points | Gary Walsh, Wine Front.
Hickinbotham 'Brooks Road' Shiraz 2018
From the '71 contour plantings, hand-picked, 50% crushed, 40% destemmed, 10% whole bunch, gentle extraction during 18 days on skins, no pressings used, 6 months on lees, then racked to foudre and puncheons (30% new) for 9 months. This oak use will continue in all releases post '18. Extremely complex and intense, but perfectly balanced red and black fruits, tannins a feature. 98 Points | James Halliday.
Fine-grained tannin. Sweet, ripe fruit. Creamy mouthfeel. And while it all feels controlled, it feels luxurious throughout, perfumed, plush, those kind of vibes. There are sweet herb/tobacco-like characters here too and sophisticated, smoky edges. It’s still coming together but the fine spread of tannin, gorgeous flavour and reach through the finish all spell (high) quality. 95 Points | Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front.
Hickinbotham 'The Peake' Cabernet Shiraz 2018
From vines planted in '71. Hand-picked, destemmed, fermented separately on skins for 18 days, matured for 15 months in high quality French barrels. The best shiraz and cabernet are selected to showcase this long-time Australian blend. If there's a better one, I haven't seen it. This is a beautiful wine, red and black fruits holding hands as they so brilliantly throw off the shackles of the hot vintage. 99 Points | James Halliday.
Hickinbotham's flagship 2018 The Peake Cabernet Shiraz checks in as a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz. Aged in 50% to 60% new French oak, the Shiraz component is drawn from the "drippings"—not the free-run that comes off the skins immediately, but not pressings, either. The two varieties complement each other, with the Shiraz adding richness of texture—a certain lushness and velvety feel that the pure-Cabernet Trueman is missing. Cassis and raspberry notes combine with hints of cedar and vanilla, mint and dried spices. Medium to full-bodied, this is velvety, rich, long and complete, just a joy to drink. Drink 2021-2035. 97 Points. Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate.
This isn’t released until July 2020 but if Australian cabernet shiraz blends are to your liking then this release is worth jumping on as soon as you can. It’s a seriously good wine. Its volume and silken mouthfeel announce themselves from the first sip but then the long chains of tannin, tobacco and dust and floral-like highlights, and compelling length serve to seal a quite wonderful deal. This is hearty, full-bodied Australian red wine in all its glory. It’s built on redcurrant, plum, blackcurrant and cloves and the mouthfeel/length combination here is really quite something. 96+ Points | Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front.
