The 2022 Hickinbotham Mr Grant Malbec is a powerful and finely structured McLaren Vale Malbec sourced from the elevated Clarendon vineyard, one of South Australia’s most respected hillside sites. Named after the first resident of Clarendon and nearby Grant’s Gully Road, the wine represents only the second varietal Malbec release from Hickinbotham and reflects the vineyard’s ability to produce deeply concentrated yet balanced reds. The nose is expressive and layered, revealing aromas of deep raspberry, blackberry and plum alongside rose petal, herbs, coffee bean and cracked pepper spice.
On the palate, it is full-bodied with dense dark fruit concentration supported by round yet firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavours of mulberry, black cherry and dark berry fruit are complemented by cocoa, graphite and savoury spice, while whole-berry fermentation and maturation in French oak barriques add polish and complexity without overwhelming the fruit profile. The Clarendon site’s elevation and cooler ripening conditions contribute freshness and structural precision, balancing the wine’s richness and intensity. The finish is long, layered and persistent with fine tannin grip and lingering spice-driven complexity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this Malbec is an outstanding choice for customers looking for a serious Australian Malbec with concentration, savoury depth and strong cellaring potential. Particularly well suited to grilled ribeye, smoked brisket, slow-cooked lamb shoulder or richly spiced dishes such as Sichuan-style beef or lamb. Drinking impressively now with extended decanting, though the wine’s tannin structure and fruit intensity will reward careful cellaring over the next 10–15 years.
