Pikes The Hill Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

The Clare Valley is one of those regions that might be described as an all-rounder. Many of us automatically think of great Riesling, but the top reds are equally compelling. What has long been endlessly fascinating is the old Cabernet or Shiraz argument. One of those that will never be resolved, one suspects, but it is fun to try and do so, inevitably leading to late nights and empty bottles. In the end, put it down to personal preference. The grapes here are sourced from a single vineyard in the Polish Hill River sub-region of the Clare Valley. Fermentation is with wild yeasts in closed fermenters, followed by maturation for ten months in French barriques, 11% of which were new. Only 200 dozen made. Dark garnet with a russet rim, this is perhaps more red-fruited than one sometimes expects with Cabernet. We have notes of beef stock, aniseed, raspberries, spices and herbs, and even hints of red apples. An intriguing nose, a touch of oak is still evident, but it has been well handled. We see the emergence of some of some savoury notes with mushrooms and earthy tones here. The wine has good focus, direction and persistence with a fine line of acidity. Undoubtedly a good future, enjoy this over the next ten to twelve years, considerably longer if you have a good cellar and the patience.

Ken Gargett

Contributor at Winepilot

Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.

Wine writer and critic