Pikes “Los Campaneros” Shiraz Tempranillo 2017

Clare Valley stalwarts Pikes are best known for their rieslings – not surprisingly as they are based in the revered Polish Hill River district – as well as their traditional reds – shiraz and cabernet. Now add to their portfolio a bag of newer varieties, tempranillo among them, which makes up a 15% portion of this blend and with dramatic effect. 

First things first: give this wine a good hour or two in a decanter or at least open the bottle to air. It really brings into play that tempranillo influence and adds an attractive white chocolate and raspberry note to the aromas. There’s a pepperiness too, more than anything a prettiness to the first impression that lingers throughout. 

The wine is more medium-bodied than full, earthy with fine, sandy tannins that permeate the back end of the palate – evenly and supportive it must be said – to give this a lovely, savoury and spicy vibe. Pizza night just got a whole lot better!

You can buy the wine here.

Tony Love

Journalist at Winepilot

Tony is best known for his 10 years as News Corp’s National Wine Writer, with weekly columns in major metropolitan mastheads throughout Australia including The Adelaide Advertiser, The Sydney Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Herald Sun. He continues to write feature articles and columns for all the major Australian wine media publications. Tony has also worked as a restaurant reviewer, section editor, book editor, digital content provider, journalism teacher and was named Wine Communicators of Australia 2018 Legend of the Vine (SA). Find out more about Tony at tonylove.com.au

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