2022 Hickinbotham The Nest Cabernet Franc 6 Pk

95 POINTS

Shanteh Wale

87% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 2% Malbec, for all Aussie intents and purposes this is Hickinbothams Cabernet Franc bottling and it is handpicked, destemmed and whole berry sorted. 16 days on skins basket pressed matured in French oak barriques of which 60% was new for 15 months. Like a shiny new toy this is impossible to put down. Bramble, cassis and sandy potting soil, like the type used for succulents and cactus. There is an edge of salted licorice, handfuls of star anise and cardamom. Oak looks quite polished here and adds to the gleam and glamour of the wine. It’s seductive and supple with gathering waves of acidity that linger. A wine that’s pleasure is immediate and yet worth some time in the decanter to get to know it better, before you envelop it.

95 POINTS

Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion

A blend of 87/11/2% cabernet franc/merlot/malbec. From a block planted in '13; crushed fruit fermented with native yeast; 16 days on skins; 15 months' maturation in French oak (60% new), then blended and matured in old oak for two months. This is an expressive take on cabernet franc, but as with all the wines in the '22 range, elegance and varietal clarity are prized, with this clocking in at moderate alcohol and with refined structural drive.

94 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

Both balance and texture are key features of this wine though the long, elegant flow of flavour through the finish is arguably the high point. Chocolate, currants, bay leaves and fragrant herbs notes are threaded intricate with fine-grained tannin, though the flavour itself feels creamy and effectively plush. Everything about this wine feels quality.

93 POINTS

Ned Goodwin - JamesSuckling.com

Plenty of class here. Crushed currants, paprika, spiced Damson plums and a touch of pimento. More medium-bodied and savory than previous vintages. The oak is a perfect framework. This is not as spectacular as this bottling has proven in the past. And yet the poise and drinkability cannot be disputed. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

93 POINTS

Angus Hughson - Winepilot

The 2022 Cabernet Franc The Nest is well composed, delivering fine-tuned aromas of blackcurrant and gravel with plummy richness and cedary oak sitting in unison. This is medium-bodied and savory, with earthy/gravel tones at its heart while a firm line of sinewy tannins keeps impressive focus over an extended, fine finish.

90 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2022 The Nest Cabernet Franc is meaty on the nose, with pastrami nuances, cassis, dark chocolate, peppercorns and aniseed. In the mouth, this is the domain of tannin. Profuse, grippy tannins course at pace across the palate. The fruit takes a backseat to the vein of firm acidity that pulses through it all—in concert, the tannins and acid work together to dominate the wine. Earthy, a little coarse, open weave and almost tangy, this feels a little oaky at this stage, something I haven't perceived on release before. This is from one of the most picturesque parts of McLaren Vale, which is saying quite a lot, given the region is stunning from pretty well any angle. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.