1998 Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The black/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz Hickinbotham (600 cases) reveals extraordinary intensity. This wine exhibits smoky cassis, blackberry, melted asphalt, and toasty oak aromas, purity of fruit, an earthy, peppery character, and massive extract and richness. Drink this blockbuster Shiraz over the next 12-15 years. This immense, super-concentrated, muscular wine appears to mirror the personality and stature of proprietor/winemaker Roman Bratasiuk. Clarendon Hills produces some of my favorite Australian wines, and readers looking for flavor, personality, and pleasure, should seek out this limited production gem. Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, deep ruby. Leesy, roasted aromas of blackcurrant, gunpowder, roast coffee and exotic spices. Dense, thick and full on the palate, with superb concentration and depth of flavor. Notes of gunpowder and black tea contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes very long, with ripe, lush tannins. Pliant and wonderfully ripe, but not at all over the top.
About the producer
Based in the McLaren Vale, Clarendon Hills has been one of the pioneering names in Australian wine. Focusing on single-site expressions of individual grapes, working with old dry-farmed vineyards, it has become one of the world’s leading producers, best known for its iconic Astralis Shiraz.