2017 Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon

96 POINTS

Ned Goodwin - Halliday Wine Companion

Hand-picked, berry-sorted and extracted regally with the thrice rack and return culture applied to alleviate reduction while maximising lees to juice contact across 15 months in Bordeaux wood, new and 1yo. The result is a full-bodied cabernet of currant, brush, sage, leaf, bouquet garni and olive, bound to a strong tannic weave, all needing time to unravel. And unravel it will.

94 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Deep ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes cassis, cherry and blueberry, and smoke and vanilla nuances build in the glass. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering appealingly sweet dark fruit and floral pastille flavors that show liqueur-like depth and surprising energy. Closes on a gently tannic note, with excellent clarity, repeating spiciness and strong, spicy cling. Raised in new and used French oak barrels for 15 months.

94 POINTS

Huon Hooke - The Real Review

Deep red/purple colour, with intense violet and blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry aromas, the fruit leading the charge and oak very much in the background. It's superbly elegant and refined, with taut structure and clean lines. Fine-grained, keenly balanced tannins and fresh acidity. An even more elegant vintage of this wine than usual. Fine, persistent aftertaste.