Hickinbotham The Nest Cabernet Franc 2022 from the steep Clarendon slopes above McLaren Vale is a pure, high‑country Cabernet Franc that combines fragrant lift with serious structure and length.

Aromatically it’s very varietal – redcurrant, red cherry and pomegranate with perfectly ripe blackcurrant and boysenberry, violet and jasmine florals, green leaf and bracken, plus hints of anise, warm spice, pain grillé and a touch of vanilla from 15 months in French oak (around 60% new). The palate is compact yet lusciously supple, with a core of red and dark berries, fine velvety tannins and savoury detail that makes Hickinbotham The Nest Cabernet Franc 2022 both seductive now and clearly built to age. It carries 95 points from Marcus Ellis at Halliday Wine Companion, underlining its status as one of Australia’s benchmark Cabernet Francs.

This is a brilliant partner for herb‑crusted lamb, duck breast, pork with cherries, veal, mushroom ragù or hard cheeses where its leafy lift and silky tannin can really shine. Decant for an hour if you’re drinking it young, or give it 8–12 years in the cellar to see those florals, spice and savoury notes deepen beautifully.