2024 Brash Higgins CINS Cinsault

While Shiraz and Grenache usually hog the spotlight in McLaren Vale, Brad Hickey has carved out a serious following for his Cinsault. Sourced from the neighbouring Lennon Vineyard - where vines were grafted onto old Semillon roots back in 2013 - this 2024 release continues his pursuit of fresher, brighter reds.

The vintage threw a few curveballs with early wind and rain, but a dry finish to the season allowed the fruit to land in a perfect spot. Brad used wild fermentation and about 20% whole bunches to build texture, resting the wine in old French puncheons for ten months. It’s a hands-off approach that preserves the variety's natural energy.

In the glass, it’s beautifully translucent and light on its feet. You get a real hit of juicy red stone fruit and cherry, lifted by a zesty citrus note - think tangerine skin or peel. There’s a savoury, spicy undercurrent running through it, almost like baking spice and white pepper, but it remains super fresh. At just 12% alcohol, it’s vibrant and medium-bodied, making it a prime candidate for a quick chill in the fridge.

93 points
"It’s young but has a mature feel, a precocious quality, alluding to tertiary Burgundian sous bois. That’s a ruse, of course, unmasked by the core of cherry fruit."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

92 points
"The general feel is goodness and easy drinking, a finer boned cinsault with faint game meat and dried rose petal notes lending charm. A nice thing to sip on."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)