Hickinbotham The Peake Cabernet Shiraz 3000ml 2014

96 POINTS

James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion

Exceptionally potent and powerful, initially giving the (false) impression its alcohol is more than 14%. Retasting brings it back into perspective, the two varieties bonded, yet each preserving its varietal integrity and structural architecture. A classic Australian blend of exceptional quality, destined to outlive most who taste it.

95 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

One of the stars of our recent regional tasting (GW). Serious, brooding bouquet of red and black berries, briar, clove and cinnamon wood as subtle backdrop, bitter dark chocolate, just a whiff of Aussie bush character. Beauty. Medium weight, glides gloriously and evenly across the palate, a quiet lake of dark fruit, spice, wood, swirls of graphite-like tannins. It’s superb. Shuts you up.

95 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz, the Hickinbotham 2014 The Peake Cabernet Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and very spicy with warm red and black fruit preserves, mocha, vanilla and yeast extract, with a touch of lavender. This blend is firm, rich, full-bodied and concentrated in its very spicy, fruity profile. It also has a long finish.

95 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2014 The Peake Cabernet Shiraz leads with blood plum and cassis, licorice and layered cocoa. It comprises 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Shiraz. The wine was made with Charlie Seppelt (he handled most/many/much of the Shiraz decisions). On the palate, the wine is silky, spicy and attractively fresh. It's leafy too, with sweet tobacco and tapenade to close. These are wines that need to age, and it is displaying that comfortability and grace here today, almost 12 years from its harvest. 2014 was hot in South Australia, and yet the wine retains an attractive coolness and mineral drive through the finish. It is very good. The wine will likely live for longer than the stated window. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

94 POINTS

Christina Pickard - Wine Enthusiast

Heady aromas of black currant, rhubarb, old library books and Chinese five spice are backed by an earthy spine. The palate of this full-bodied wine is a lovely balance of richness and restraint, with earthy, savory elements ensconced in velvety, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy with Moroccan lamb.

93 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Rich and luxurious, featuring a full, velvety frame, oozing with notes of milk chocolate, coconut cream pie and nutmeg. The core is fresh and juicy, with cherry flavors. Shows plenty of spice on the long, expressive finish.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

The nose here is refined, showing freshly picked blackberries, oyster shell, slate and a hint of undergrowth. Full body, grainy tannins and a chewy finish. Drink in 2019.