Tasting notes:

Hickinbotham first planted dry-farmed vineyards near the hamlet of Clarendon in 1971 at the upper limit of McLaren Vale. The site’s climate is influenced by the coast, the Onkaparinka River gorge and the rolling hills offering different exposures and funnelling refreshing breezes. Almost opaque purple-black in colour, the wine has cassis, brambles and Christmas cake with tobacco and a hint of hedgerow and leather. Dry, but sweetfruited, the wine’s flavours are balanced by crisp acidity and linen-textured tannins. Beautifully-defined with intriguing spices adding complexity, the wine will match rabbit simmered in white wine and chicken stock with onions and a bit of garlic.(Patricia Stefanowicz MW)