Hickinbotham Peake Cabernet Shiraz is made from 60 percent Cabernet and 40 percent Shiraz.
Named after the late Mr. Edward John Peake who established the first vineyard and orchard at Clarendon circa 1850. Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz is a famous part of Australian winemaking history and whilst the individual components of this wine are mighty, the sum of The Peake’s parts is magnificent. The Cabernet shines aromatically with notes of blackberry pie and dark chocolate, while the Shiraz fills the mid-palate with black plum and toasty oak. Fine tannins and balanced acidity contribute to an incredibly long finish. The Peake continues to honor the legacy of this iconic Australian blend.
Review:
Hickinbotham's 2017 The Peake Cabernet Shiraz is a 60-40 blend of the varieties, aged in a healthy proportion of new French oak. As a barrel selection, it stands above the other wines in the lineup, being more complex and complete than either the Brooks Road Shiraz or the Trueman Cabernet. Cassis leads the way, rounded out by ripe cherries and joined by shadings of cedar and vanilla. It's full-bodied and concentrated in the mouth, rich, supple and almost creamy in texture and boasts a long, silky finish. While nearly drinkable already, it should easily age for a decade or more.
-Wine Advocate 96 Points
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore is made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina grown at the Monte Lodoletta estate in the Val d'Illasi, eastern Valpolicella.
One of Italy's most iconic producers, Romano Dal Forno revolutionized Valpolicella winemaking with an obsessive pursuit of quality. The grapes are hand-harvested with meticulous selection, then dried for approximately 45 days in the estate's patented, computer-controlled appassimento rooms. After pressing, the wine is fermented in custom-designed stainless steel tanks and aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels, followed by extended bottle aging before release.
Deep ruby in color with aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and cocoa. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate with powerful yet polished tannins, layers of dark fruit, sweet spice, tobacco and chocolate. Despite its remarkable concentration, the wine maintains an elegant freshness and balance. Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, game and aged cheeses.
14.5% ABV
A perfumed and elegant wine with subtle aromas of balsamic, coconut, dark bramble fruit, jasmine, mulberries, red cherries and chocolate. It’s spicy rather than fruity. On the palate it shows salted chocolate flavors and a full body. It’s crisp, zesty and velvety, with creamy tannins and a graphite finish. It shows tension despite its concentrated style. It will be released in January 2027. Try then or hold.
-James Suckling 97 Points