2002 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Syrah (Shiraz)

The yields from the Hickinbotham Vineyard were down 50% on average due to the poor fruit set. The closely planted vines, at one metre spacings, were planted in 1965. This is a wine that displays great power, whilst still expressing great finesse.

Tasting Note: Totally black purple colour. The nose is an essay of liquorice, violets, spice and blackberry. The palate explodes with flavour, powerful layers of blackberry, liquorice, spice and white pepper, enhanced by fine grained tannins. Perfect balance with very long aftertaste of spiced plum, black cherry, confectionary and anise.
Cellar 10-15 years (2013-2018)
Alc/Vol: 14.8%

RATING: 98/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5

Robert Parker's Review
The stupendous 2002 Syrah Hickinbotham Vineyard exhibits a saturated purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of ink, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, smoke, licorice, and espresso. Massively endowed, with great concentration yet tremendous structure and definition, it is an example of what Roman Bratasiuk does so well ... marry old vine power and concentration with extraordinary definition and elegance. It may be the finest example I have yet tasted from this vineyard. While approachable, it should last for 20+ years.
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 97 points

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