2021 Hickinbotham Clarendon The Peake Cabernet Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Dense, concentrated colour and a bouquet that suggests briars and tar/bitumen, with multiple herbs, blackberry and black cherry beneath, the palate loaded with mouth-coating tannins that complement the rich flavours. Traces of underbrush and a smidgin of tomato-bush. A big, solid, concentrated wine of long-term potential. 22 JUN 2023 Drink 2026–2046

97 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review

A joint effort from Chris Carpenter and Pete Fraser. Majority cabernet (60%) riding riffs of cassis, mint, rolled sage, tapenade and bay leaf over shiraz's warmer chord below. A rich wine of immaculate tannic cladding, attesting to optimal fruit quality and a deft hand. Like alloyed ballbearings running through the mouth. The mocha-cedar of the oak is salubrious of feel rather than obtuse or excessive. Maritime freshness, a classy undercarriage infusing energy while towing impressive length. This is an immensely classy wine that sets the bar very high for the quintessential home blend.

95 points Ned Goodwin MW for Haliday Wine Companion

Perched high above McLaren Vale, the Hickinbotham Vineyard has been producing exceptional fruit since 1971 and is regarded as one of Australia's great single vineyard sites. Today the estate combines this remarkable heritage with meticulous viticulture and the expertise of winemaker Chris Carpenter, creating wines that marry the power of McLaren Vale with elegance and precision.

The Peake is a classic Australian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, sourced exclusively from the elevated Clarendon vineyard. Sitting between 220 and 245 metres above sea level, the site enjoys cooler conditions than the valley floor, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly while retaining freshness, structure and aromatic complexity. The result is a wine that beautifully balances Cabernet's refinement with Shiraz's richness and generosity.

The colour is an inky deep crimson with purple highlights. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark plum are layered with cedar, cracked pepper, violets and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and beautifully structured, weaving concentrated black fruits through velvety tannins and vibrant acidity. Hints of graphite, liquorice and savoury spice emerge across a long, seamless finish that speaks of both power and finesse.

A magnificent companion to dry aged rib eye, slow roasted lamb shoulder, venison loin or mushroom Wellington with black garlic. While already immensely satisfying with a generous decant, this is a wine with the balance and pedigree to reward patient cellaring for two decades or more.