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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Hickinbotham The Peake Cabernet Shiraztext
91POINTS
16¾/20

Hickinbotham The Peake Cabernet Shiraz 2018

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Peake is an ode to Edward John Peake, who planted the first vines in Clarendon, where Hickinbotham is based, in 1850. The vineyard used for this wine was later planted by the Hickinbotham family in 1971 and is sourced from four blocks. It's a classic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon (55%) and shiraz (45%), with lots left on their skins for at least 18 days — the cabernet ages 15 months in Bordeaux-coopered barrels. A combination of puncheons and barriques house the shiraz. Only the best barrels go to the final blend as determined by Napa-born winemaker Chris Carpenter, go to the final wine. It shows quite lifted, high-toned dark fruit that's lavishly ripe and complemented by eucalyptus and sweet chocolatey oak. It's a big, dense, powerful wine that's just starting to unravel and reveal itself, with tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that suggest this has years, if not decades, of life ahead of it. Every time you return to the glass, something new presents itself. A sure sign that this will be worth the wait. Worth a lengthy decant if you open it now.Tasted: 23 March 2021Tasted by: Geoffrey Moss MWPrices:
BC$125.99750mlselect private retailers
AB$115.99750mlselect private retailers
SK$129.99750mlspecial order
MB$129.99750mlspecial order
Producer: Hickinbotham Clarendon VintnersDistributors: Summit Fine Wines
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - ShirazCSPC: 462648