While the estate known as Chateau Haut-Bailly dates back to 1461, its wine production began in 1530, falling into the hands of the de Leuvarde and Le Bailly families in 1630. It was purchased in 1998 by Robert G Wilmers, a Harvard-educated banker, and his French wife Elisabeth and under their care, the estate has begun producing some of the best wines in its history. The cellars and production procedures were renovated and modernised and this year, the Chateau itself was awarded government recognition of its cultural and vinious heritage.
A luxurious combination of soft ripe autumn berries with fresh cool country cherries, this wine exemplifies the harmony that can be achieved by blending these two noble grapes together. The wine has an unctuous elegance that caresses the palate with a structure that is exceeded only in its width by its length. Still a youthful creature, this wine will age gracefully for decades to come. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) and Shiraz (43%). Sourced from 1971 (100%) planted on the Estate. All batches were fermented separately and blended prior to bottling. These batches of Cabernet and Shiraz represent the pinnacle wines from the Estate, our vision is to produce a seamless integration of the best of both varieties, with great aging potential. The winemaking follow suit from the previous wines, this wine is about the best blocks of the vintage and best barrels being carefully blended. Rack and returned three times during the maturation of 15 months 100% new oak, Shiraz Burgundy coopered French oak, Cabernet Bordeaux coopered French oak Alan Hickinbotham established the vineyard bearing his name in 1971 when he planted dry- grown cabernet sauvignon and shiraz in contoured rows on the sloping site. He was a very successful builder, this his first venture into wine, but his father, Alan Robb Hickinbotham, had a long and distinguished career, co-founding the oenology diploma at Roseworthy in 36. In 2012 Clarendon, and the stately sandstone house on the property, was purchased by Jackson Family Wines; it is run as a separate business from Yangarra Estate Vineyard, with different winemaking teams and wines. The Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard covers a steep cut of country from the ridgetops above the village of Clarendon to the Onkaparinga River in the gorge below. Since its establishment in 1971, the Hickinbotham vineyard has become a part of Australias wine heritage, supplying fruit to produce many of Australias greatest wines. The Clarendon Vineyard has sold select parcels to Penfolds for Grange and to Hardys for their equivalent white flagship, the Eileen Hardy Chardonnay.
Hickinbotham The Peake Cabernet Shiraz 3000ml 2014
Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is the icon Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Named after Coonawarra pioneer, pastoralist and parliamentarian, John Riddoch, this Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the very best of Wynns vast planting in Coonawarra and it only made in the years that best express Wynns strive for excellence. Arguably richer and more complex from comparable styles in the region, John Riddoch Cabernet is highly sought after and extremely limited.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
From the sculptural, low yielding Hilder Mataro vines - believed to be 145 year old ancestor vines that have survived two world wars - comes Z Wines' inaugural release of a straight Mataro. This biodynamic vineyard is worthy of producing a single varietal fruitful and earthy Mataro. This minimal intervention wine was hand picked, wild fermented, basked pressed and spent only 8 months in high quality oak, including 20% new French oak. On the nose, herbal notes as well as spice, licorice and leather are evident. The dark fruits (plums and ripe cherry) take a back seat, but positively add to the interesting bouquet. Characters from the nose follow through to the palate, which is balanced and structured. The flavours are dominated by savoury herbal and leathery characteristics with background ripe forest fruits. The chalky acidity and tannins are prominent and very much a testament to the high quality fruit. You will find divine length and lingering flavours.
Supremely graceful and fine in typical Mount Mary style. The long and silky palate has a tapestry of red and black fruit flavours, the finish long and satisfying, the aftertaste lingering for minutes. Available in selected stores only.
A dark purple colour already shows the depth of this vintage. Refined and floral aromas on the nose with red fruits combined with a delicate and precise oak. Dense, silky and fleshy on the palate with a great elegance of fine tannins. A deep length finishing with black fruits. This racy Talbot is very promising!