Cabernet Shiraz “The Peake” 2020 – Hickinbotham

The Hickinbotham Cabernet Shiraz “The Peake” 2020 stands as a monument to the rich viticultural heritage and innovative spirit of Australia’s McLaren Vale. This blend, a confluence of the robust Cabernet Sauvignon and the supple Shiraz, embodies the pinnacle of winemaking craftsmanship, reflecting both the nuanced complexity of its terroir and the meticulous attention to detail that defines the Hickinbotham estate’s approach. “The Peake” is not merely a wine; it is a narrative of place, process, and passion, encapsulating the essence of two varietals harmoniously intertwined to create something truly exceptional.

The McLaren Vale region, with its Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, sunny days and cool, refreshing evenings, provides an idyllic backdrop for grape cultivation. The diurnal temperature variation ensures the slow, even ripening of grapes, preserving their acidity and depth of flavor. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes for “The Peake” are sourced from select parcels within the Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard, where the ancient, complex soils range from sandy loams to clay and gravel. This diversity in soil composition imbues the grapes with a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas, laying the groundwork for a wine of extraordinary character and elegance.

The 2020 vintage was marked by favorable weather conditions, leading to an exceptional harvest that allowed for the production of wines with great intensity and structure. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings to the blend its hallmark structure and depth, with layers of dark fruit and firm tannins, while the Shiraz adds a plush, velvety texture and nuances of spice and softness, creating a seamless integration that elevates the wine to new heights.

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes undergo meticulous sorting and selection, ensuring that only the best fruit is used. The winemaking process for “The Peake” involves co-fermentation of the varietals, a technique that fosters the integration of flavors and tannins from the outset. This method, combined with aging in high-quality French oak barrels, results in a wine that is both complex and harmonious, with the oak lending subtle hints of vanilla and toast without overshadowing the innate vibrancy of the fruit.

In the glass, “The Peake” 2020 presents a deep, inviting ruby color. The nose is met with an intricate bouquet of aromas: ripe blackcurrant and blackberry from the Cabernet Sauvignon, and luscious plum and black pepper notes from the Shiraz. This olfactory complexity is further enhanced by layers of eucalyptus, leather, and mocha, testament to the careful aging process and the quality of the barrels used.

The palate of “The Peake” is a rich, full-bodied experience, where the dense, juicy fruitiness of the blend is perfectly balanced by a backbone of refined, well-integrated tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and the Shiraz’s suppleness are in perfect harmony, leading to a wine that is both powerful and graceful. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind a lingering sense of the blend’s depth and the artisanal craftsmanship that brought it to life.

“The Peake” 2020 is more than just a testament to the Hickinbotham estate’s winemaking prowess; it is a vibrant expression of McLaren Vale’s terroir and a celebration of the blend as an art form. It stands as a beacon of quality and innovation, showcasing the potential of co-fermentation and meticulous oak aging to produce a wine that is both expressive of its origins and exemplary in its execution.

Pairing exquisitely with a wide array of culinary dishes, from robust meats to rich, savory stews, “The Peake” offers a versatile and elevated wine-drinking experience. It invites connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike to explore the depth and diversity of Australian wine, serving as a proud emblem of the Hickinbotham legacy and the enduring appeal of McLaren Vale’s viticultural landscape.