Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard Mr. Grant Malbec 2022

93% Malbec and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, whole berry and 30% new oak, this is the second release of this wine. A brilliant and inky magenta in the glass, there’s a vibrancy on the nose that is immediately captivating. Raspberry liquorish, plum skin spice, rosella, pomegranate flesh and tumbled aniseed. The palate excites with zippy acidity whirling through silty and plentiful tannins, finely spread so that the effect is nimble rather than weighty. There’s a savoury salted cocoa tone here, which helps bring it all together and tug one’s hand to the glass for another sip. Certainly one to enjoy with a meal, as those tannins and crunchy acidity will riff with some hearty protein. 93+ Points: 93/100

Wine Pilot ∙ 16th Aug 2025

93% Malbec and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. The second release of Malbec. Handpicked sorted, destemmed and 100% whole berries retained. Basket pressed and matured in French oak barriques of which 255 was new for 15 months. Perhaps a dialled up version of the Malbec we are coming to know and love in Australia. Here red berries are luminous with red toffee apple, raspberry and Gala apple skin. A hint of potpourri and sandalwood shows off the sweet oak spice. There is a wild lift of florals thanks to some intracellular fermentation and this really pops in the aroma and middle palate of this wine. A touch of creeping ivy and winter pine needle with stirring levels of bright acidity. You are in for a thrill ride with this wine, buckle up and bring out the Sichuan Mapo tofu for a full bodied experience. Points: 94/100

Wine Pilot ∙ 1st May 2025

Colossal glass-staining purple colour, impenetrable in the glass. Char-oak and fully ripe black fruits to sniff, the palate full-bodied and dense, concentrated and powerful, loaded with mouth-coating tannins and massive flavour. It could be enjoyed now - with hearty food - but will surely reward cellaring for many years. A hugely impressive malbec.  Points: 96/100

The Real Review ∙ 2nd Jan 2025

Malbec with a splash of cabernet sauvignon (7%). The malbec was planted in 2013. Fermented as whole berries with pump-overs, with 17 days total on skins; matured in French barriques (60% new) for 15 months then blended and aged for two months in older oak. Deeply coloured and flavoured, it feels like a good amount care has been taken here to extract the bountiful flavours without too much grip. It is there and with authority, as the variety dictates, but it’s in lockstep with silky, mildly plush fruits. Dark berries, mulberry, raspberry, a floral hint and integrated oak notes, clove and pepper.  Points: 94/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 9th Aug 2024

A deep, glossy ruby. Buoyant notes of lavender, lilacs, boysenberries and a sheer, joyous grapiness. And yet the tannic restraint is drawn tight. The oak is classy and beautifully handled across a medium-bodied texture. There is a great deal to like here. Most of all, the impressionable immediacy of the fruit. Drink or hold. Screw cap.  Points: 94/100

jamessuckling.com ∙ 2nd Feb 2024