Hickinbotham Brooks Rd Shiraz 2018
Hickinbotham
The Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard covers a steep cut of country from the ridgetops above the village of Clarendon to the Onkaparinga River in the gorge below. After noticing an auction for a parcel of country property and fully aware of the 125-year history of the vineyard across the river, Alan Hickinbotham Jr. decided to bid on it. And luckily he did. Since its establishment in 1971, the Hickinbotham vineyard has become a part of Australia’s wine heritage, supplying fruit to produce many of Australia’s greatest wines.
Alan and his family began establishing water reservoirs and planning a serious vineyard, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz on dry-grown, terraced blocks. He soon bought 37 hectares called Schmidts on the opposite side of the road (facing south), and his son David added another 16ha neighbouring the original north-facing purchase, then more land on the western side.
The Clarendon Vineyard has continued the legacy of Alan Sr. with great pride. The Hickinbothams were very highly regarded for the sublime quality of the fruit they grew at Clarendon, selling select parcels to Penfolds for Grange and to Hardy's for their equivalent white flagship, the Eileen Hardy Chardonnay.
By 2000, Alan’s son David Hickinbotham had established a partnership with winemaker Roman Bratasiuk, who with great success launched his Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard. After Alan’s passing in 2010, David took over the stewardship of the property, in January 2012 sold Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard to the Jackson Family who continues the legacy today.
SKU
HISH201810 UCAU
$72.99
Per item
Price:
2018 Brooks Road exhibits the compelling dynamic between savoury and fruit flavors which is textbook Shiraz from Clarendon. Sweet blueberry and rich red fruits interlace with notes of clove and menthol. The palate is expansive but pure finesses with a beautifully balanced acidity leading to a silky finish. The 2018 is incredibly expressive and approachable at this youthful age.
2018 Brooks Road exhibits the compelling dynamic between savoury and fruit flavors which is textbook Shiraz from Clarendon. Sweet blueberry and rich red fruits interlace with notes of clove and menthol. The palate is expansive but pure finesses with a beautifully balanced acidity leading to a silky finish. The 2018 is incredibly expressive and approachable at this youthful age.
Scores & Reviews
98 / 100
James Halliday
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.
95 / 100
Gary Walsh
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.
93 / 100
Nick Stock
A striking wine for its extreme depth, as well as freshness. Ripe dark plums and blackberries bathe the nose and palate. This is lead in a fuller-bodied direction and makes a very youthful, bold and stoic impression on the palate. Fine now, but better in three to four years. Screw cap.