Hickinbotham Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

This high-altitude dry red wine originates from Australia, within the prestigious Clarendon subregion at the northern, elevated edge of McLaren Vale in South Australia. Originally planted in 1971 by Alan Hickinbotham, the historic Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard sits on steep, wind-swept slopes featuring ancient geological formations of shale and siltstone over clay. Acquired by Majestic Wine/Jackson Family Wines in 2012, the property was elevated to world-class status under the guidance of acclaimed winemakers Christopher Carpenter (renowned for his Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons at Lokoya and Cardinale) and local winemaker Peter Fraser. Named in honor of Alan Hickinbotham's father, Trueman Hickinbotham, this bottling reflects a cool-climate, highly structured expression of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2016 Trueman presents an opaque, deep garnet-purple color with bright crimson rim variations. The complex, lifted nose opens with classic dark fruit notes of crème de cassis, wild blackberry, and black cherry, interwoven with characteristic McLaren Vale nuances of crushed eucalyptus, dried mint, graphite, cigar box, and subtle baking spice from oak aging. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, intense, and tightly wound, displaying exceptional structural density and chalky, fine-grained tannins. A core of dark berry fruit is balanced by a vibrant, cool-climate streak of natural acidity that drives through to an extraordinarily long, savory finish. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the hand-harvested grapes undergo careful sorting and small-batch open-top fermentation. The wine is aged for roughly 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels (approximately 50% to 60% new), resulting in an alcohol by volume of 14.5%.

Food Pairing

The muscular structure, firm tannic backbone, and cool herbal nuances of this high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon demand rich, savory red meat dishes. It pairs magnificently with prime cuts of grilled ribeye, roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, slow-braised beef short ribs, and venison tenderloin with a dark fruit glaze. It also complements rich wild mushroom stew, roasted duck breast, and aged hard cheeses such as sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or aged Comté.

Vintage Quality

The 2016 growing season in McLaren Vale and Clarendon is widely regarded as an outstanding, benchmark vintage. Generous spring rainfall set up healthy vine canopies, followed by mild, steady conditions through summer and autumn that allowed Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve complete phenolic maturity while preserving vivid natural acidity and structural balance. The 2016 Hickinbotham Trueman represents a monumental, age-worthy Australian Cabernet that offers striking intensity and balance, capable of evolving gracefully in proper cellars for 15 to 25+ years.

Accolades

• ​95 Points (James Suckling): Calls it a "stunning Cabernet," highlighting a fresh, fragrant nose of violets, dark rose, cassis, and blueberries anchored by "formidably strong tannins" that carry into a seamless finish.

• 94 Points (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate): Dubs it a "super effort," praising its classic aromas of pencil shavings and cassis alongside rich waves of velvety, full-bodied fruit built to hit its absolute prime with age.

• 94 Points (Wine Spectator): Highlights its "juicy and vibrant" core of raspberry and black cherry, calling out complex nuances of Earl Grey tea, violet, and toasted cumin with a creamy texture and effortless harmony (drink through 2035).