2002 Clarendon Hills Sandown Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1500ml)

Last year we reported that the Clarendon Hills Cabernets were the bargains of the collection, the same can be said of the 2002 vintage wines. Australia’s reputation as a top Shiraz producer has overshadowed the demand for our Cabernets to the point where there is even an oversupply of grapes in the industry. We note that at a recent tasting in Philadelphia, USA (reported on Mark Squires bulletin board on www.erobertparker.com and Arthur Johnson’s www.wine-people.com) the 2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Cabernet was matched with 1982 Chateau Margaux and 1990 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, and stood up exceptionally well. Not a bad effort when one realises that the two First Growths would be retailing for $1000 plus, whereas the 2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Cabernet is around $70. If that does not represent a bargain, then nothing does. The vines for the Sandown Cabernet are over 70 years old and like the other 2002 wines from Clarendon Hills, the wines have seen no new oak.

Tasting Note: Opaque black crimson colour. Intense aroma of spice and blackcurrant with just a hint of mint. The palate structure is refined, and less tannic than the previous vintage. Mouthfilling flavours of spice, blackcurrant, blackpepper, dark chocolate and spice. Exceptional length, fine grained tannins followed by a very long aftertaste of confectionary and spice.
Cellar 10-15 years (2013-2018)
Alc/Vol: 14.8%

RATING: 98/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5

Robert Parker's Review
Reveals all the same characteristics plus additional earth and cedar notes, an even more saturated inky/purple color and more volume as well as thinkness in the mouth. It appears to be a spectacular effort that should hit its prime in 4-5 years and last for two decades.
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #148)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 91-93 points