Domaines Jacques Thienpont today announced it has acquired select parcels of the iconic Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard, one of McLaren Vale’s most historic and respected sites, from Jackson Family Wines.
The acquisition includes 22 hectares, approximately nine hectares of which are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot and Shiraz.
These vineyards will become part of Pocket Gully, the Adelaide Hills estate within Domaines Jacques Thienpont.
The transition reflects a shared commitment to preserving the integrity of the vineyard while allowing for continued evolution under aligned stewardship.
“Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard is an extraordinary site with a rich history,” said fourth-generation winemaker, Georges Thienpont.
“As relative newcomers to the region, we are honoured to become stewards of these select parcels and are committed to preserving their integrity.”
Chris Jackson, co-proprietor of Jackson Family Wines said, “We have great confidence in the Thienpont family’s vision for these parcels.
“These are exceptional vineyard blocks, and we are pleased to see them entrusted to one of the world’s great wine families.
“The Thienponts share our commitment to quality and stewardship, and together we look forward to further elevating the reputation of the vineyard on the global stage.”
The Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard holds a distinguished place in the region’s history.
Planted by the Hickinbotham family in 1971, the vineyard has contributed to wines that have helped define the region and establish its enduring reputation.
The property has been owned by Jackson Family Wines since 2012 and continues under the leadership of winemaker Chris Carpenter who maintains the same philosophy and precision that have consistently defined the estate.
Domaines Jacques Thienpont brings together several distinguished estates in Bordeaux, owned by Jacques Thienpont and his family.
These include Le Pin in Pomerol, L’If on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, and L’Hêtre in the emerging appellation of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.
In 2024, Georges Thienpont expanded the family’s winemaking presence beyond France with the acquisition of its first Australian vineyard in the Adelaide Hills.
The newly established estate, Pocket Gully, produces Chardonnay from vineyards in the Piccadilly Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from select sites in Clarendon.
In November 2024 Georges revealed in WBM that he had appointed Jacinta Jenkins as the winemaker for the new estate in the Adelaide Hills.
The inaugural vintage is scheduled for release this year.
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