Pikes The Hill Block Reserve Cabernet 2020

I have no doubt that winelovers will be split over their preference for this or the E. W. P. Shiraz. Both are crackers and at this level, we are really talking personal preference. Mine was marginally for the Shiraz, but I would happily drink this every day
of the week. The team at Pikes take the view that Shiraz more often reaches its full potential than Cabernet does, but that when Cabernet is on, it is ‘easily the region’s best red variety’. They are not alone in that view. As with all the Reserve reds, this was wild fermented, hand-plunged (or occasionally, turned over by a process with compressed air) and bottled without filtration. Maturation is in French oak, with the percentage which is new always less than 20%.

Dark magenta, the nose is an alluring mix of licorice, black olives, cassis, tobacco leaf, chocolate and coffee beans. The palate moves more to a sour cherry note. Very good grip here and savoury in style, this is well structured with fine but firm tannins, and excellent length. The finish offers aniseed, five spice notes and more cassis. Undoubtedly made with an eye on the future, this will be with us for many years and should score even higher in time. Drink any time if you must, but if you can cellar it for 8 to 10
years, so much the better.