2022 Hickinbotham The Peake Cabernet Shiraz

The Peake is Hickinbotham’s crown jewel - an elite blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz that showcases the full power and pedigree of this remarkable Clarendon site.

Crafted by winemakers Chris Carpenter (of Napa Cabernet fame) and Peter Fraser (of Yangarra and Shiraz renown), this is a flagship red that honours the legacy of great Australian Cab/Shiraz blends, while adding a distinctly modern polish. The fruit is hand-picked and handled separately, matured in a thoughtful mix of Bordeaux barriques, French puncheons and large format foudre before being blended for harmony and finesse.

The 2022 vintage brings brooding dark fruit, cassis, black cherry and plum, layered with graphite, dried herbs, cocoa and spice. The palate is powerful yet supple—silken tannins, flowing structure, and a fresh acid line keep things poised and long.

It’s an immaculately balanced, age-worthy wine that stands confidently among Australia’s great red blends. Drink now with a good decant, or cellar for the long haul. This one’s built to impress.

97 points
"Superb melding of shiraz and cabernet... seamless intertwining... seasoned with ground coffee, clove, allspice... builds impressively with air."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

97 points
"Rhubarb, mulberry, red figs... blackberries, thyme, coffee spice... beautifully poised and nostalgic claret style."
- Shanteh Wale (Wine Pilot)