Hickinbotham Cabernet Sauvignon

Presented double-blind. The wine appears deep garnet with an opaque core. There appears to be a slight amount of sediment but otherwise no visual signs of age. On the nose, a beguiling mix of black, blue and red fruits with a pronounced hit of tobacco, green bell pepper, purple flowers, earth and baking space. On the palate, the wine is dry with very firm tannin that I would place in the medium++ category. Medium+ acid. The fruit set is confirmed along with the aforementioned non-fruit characteristics with some leather and earth for good measure. The finish very long and rich. While there is an undeniable amount of high quality fruit, I felt the non-fruit characteristics and the structure leaned more towards the old world. I called 2008 Paulliac from a classified growth. I didn’t even think about Australia! Anyway, this was awesome and came across almost youthful! I’ve long admired Roman’s work with Syrah…and now I know I’ve been sleeping on his Cabernet. This wine will continue to drink well for another decade+.

Muted fruit. Somewhat hollow. Past it’s prime

Treacle, fruit compote, apricot hamantaschen, grilled tomato and lots of heat. Mouthful of wine.

Premier Cru label says dessert wine. Not far off. This came through a secondary source but good to see they actually delivered someone's wine.

2002, minty green.

This is amazing. Some blueberry, graphite, surprisingly good. Nice development, too. Lovely.

For a 10 yr old Aussie cab, I'm impressed! In the glass, the wine comes across as impenetrable. It's inky black. The nose is dominated with maple syrup and sweet oak tones. On the palette, the wine is viscous and has weight. Super sweet with maraschino cherries. My last bottle, sniff...

Made by the redoubtable Roman Bratasiuk of Astralis Syrah fame and consumed at Daniel Oconnels North Adelaide from their all SA wine list. Coffee and clove aromas. Some smokiness. Great depth of flavour and concentration. Top notch Cabernet from a great wine maker in a good vintage. 18.

Big skunky nose, too much alcohol for me. Cloying.

Surprised me with this age on it. I’d buy a case if available.