The 2016 Hickinbotham Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful yet finely structured McLaren Vale Cabernet sourced from the elevated Clarendon Vineyard, one of South Australia’s most historic and highly regarded sites for Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard’s altitude, ancient soils and cooling influences contribute remarkable freshness and aromatic detail alongside the region’s trademark depth. The nose is intensely layered and expressive, revealing aromas of cassis, blackberry and blueberry alongside violets, cedar, pencil shavings and subtle dark chocolate complexity.
On the palate, it is full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit supported by firm yet polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavours of blackcurrant, plum and dark cherry are complemented by savoury black olive, graphite, spice and restrained oak influence from maturation in Bordeaux barrels for approximately 15 months. Hand harvesting, open fermentation and basket pressing contribute texture and precision, while the Clarendon site delivers a distinctive combination of richness and freshness rarely seen in warm-climate Cabernet Sauvignon. The finish is long, layered and persistent with seamless tannin structure and impressive mineral drive, reflecting both the exceptional 2016 vintage and the wine’s strong cellaring pedigree.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding option for customers seeking a serious Australian Cabernet with depth, structure and long-term aging potential. Particularly well suited to grilled ribeye, roast lamb, slow-cooked beef cheeks or aged hard cheeses. Drinking beautifully with extended decanting, though the wine’s concentration and tannin profile will reward careful cellaring through to 2035 and beyond.
