2020 Hickinbotham Clarendon The Peake Cabernet Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Sourced from the contoured quilt of estate vines, a confluence of silts, loams and ferrous outcrops. A traditional blend of the finest performing blocks and best barrels (50% new). A nose tingling with a visceral energy, such is the mineral-clad spine to this wine. Rich and powerful, to be sure, as the sweetness of shiraz and its blue-fruit aspersions meander across cabernet's bones of finely tuned tannins, dried herb and cedar-oak cladding. Yet the overall effect is one of umami warmth, savoury depth and immense potential. This is an iconic wine and deservedly so.

97 points Ned Goodwin MW for Halliday Wine Companion August 2022

The Peake represents the pinnacle of Hickinbotham Vineyard and one of the most compelling Cabernet Shiraz blends produced in Australia today. Named in honour of Alan Hickinbotham's wife, Anne Peake, this flagship wine draws on the extraordinary strengths of the historic Clarendon vineyard, first planted in 1971. Perched high above McLaren Vale, the site's elevation, ancient soils and cool nights create fruit of remarkable concentration and precision. Under the guidance of Chris Carpenter and vineyard manager Charlie Seppelt, Hickinbotham continues to produce wines that rank among the country's elite.

The 2020 vintage provided near ideal conditions, allowing both Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz to achieve exceptional ripeness while retaining freshness and structure. The blend brings together the best of both varieties, with Cabernet contributing perfume, structure and longevity, while Shiraz adds richness, texture and depth. Extended maturation in premium French oak enhances complexity without overshadowing the vineyard's distinctive character.

Deep crimson black in colour, the wine opens with an intense bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry and satsuma plum layered with violet, cedar and graphite. As it unfolds, notes of dark chocolate, cigar box, olive tapenade and exotic spice emerge, revealing extraordinary complexity. The palate is rich, powerful and impeccably balanced, delivering concentrated cassis and dark berry fruit framed by ultra fine tannins. The seamless integration of fruit, oak and acidity creates remarkable poise, while the finish is exceptionally long, unfolding with waves of spice, mineral notes and savoury complexity.

A wine of this calibre deserves equally impressive company at the table. Pair it with dry aged ribeye, roast lamb rack, venison loin, beef Wellington or a truffle infused mushroom pithivier. While already magnificent with a lengthy decant, The Peake has the pedigree to evolve for two decades or more, rewarding patient collectors with increasing complexity and refinement.