Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard
Hickinbotham (Clarendon Vineyard) is a new ultra-premium, small batch range produced by Jackson Family Wines (who also own Yangarra). The historic Clarendon vineyard was planted by Alan Hickinbotham in 1971, and quickly established itself as truly unique site, going on to become the source of premium fruit for many illustrious brands over the years, including Clarendon Australis (ongoing), Penfolds Grange and Eileen Hardy.
Vinification
After walking the Merlot blocks of Hickinbotham, Winemaker Chris Carpenter and Viticulturer Michael Lane delivered hand-picked grapes from high country (245 metres). The Merlot vines were planted in 1976. Destemmed and sorted straight into open fermenters, the berries underwent a four day cold soak. The wine was pumped over daily, and the minimum time on skins was eighteen days. After basket-pressing the lighter pressings were included in the free run; the heavier pressings kept separate.
Maturation
Three rack-and-returns were conducted over fifteen months as the wine seasoned in a mixture of Bordeaux-coopered barrels.
Aroma
Red currant and bright black cherry.
Palate
This is a lithe, sinuous, bright drink of considerable finesse and allure. Textbook tannin structure; dry, dusty, vital and integral.
Cellaring Potential
While quite approachable now, this is one which will greatly benefit from some years in the cellar; it will flesh up beautifully without losing its finesse.
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