2007 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Grenache

Crimson mauve colour with crimson mauve hue. Aromas of ripe raspberry and strawberry followed by some confectionary. The palate is filled with ripe raspberry jube and plum flavours followed by some confectionary with a very persistent spice and blackpepper back palate. Good concentration and length. Fine grained dryish tannins but in balance. Long spicy raspberry and blackpepper aftertaste.
Cellar 3-4 years (2012-2013)
14.5% Alc

A very spicy and peppery Hickinbotham Grenache
Other Reviews….
As usual, the Clarendon Hills wines are unblended, 100% varietal, sourced from mostly old-vine, ungrafted, single vineyards, fermented naturally, and bottled without fining or filtration. Only seasoned oak is used for the Grenache bottlings, 100% new French oak for the Merlot and Cabernets, and 50-100% new French oak for the Syrahs depending upon the cuvee. There is a new addition to the portfolio, a Mourvedre sourced from 12 year old vines and aged in 2 year old French oak. The year 2007 was more difficult than the three that preceded it, marked by a 45-50% reduction in crop levels and elevated tannin from the resulting thick skins. As Bratasiuk notes, “Tight, drying tannin is the hallmark of the vintage.” Nevertheless, this is an impressive collection from one of Australia’s icon wineries.

The 2007 Grenache Hickinbotham delivers a bit more aromatic complexity, Cedar, underbrush, black cherry, and black currant aromas lead to a richly fruited, firm, layered wine. This lengthy effort should evolve for another 3-4 years and drink well for a decade.
92+ points
Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate