Winemaker Kevin Mitchell has set a new benchmark for Clare Valley Cabernet. A nose typical of cool climate Cabernet followed by generosity on the palate, all at a price that delivers great value for money.

The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.

Rich and ripe, blueberry and chocolate flavours, tempered by savoury tannins and well balanced acidity. Pikes Wines is a beautiful location at Polish Hill River, near Sevenhill in the wonderful Clare Valley. With a history dating back to 1878, the Pike family has a past rooted in winemaking. Current custodians, Neil & Andrew form a formidable partnership creating wines that express terroir magnificently. Neil Pike grew up amongst his father, Edgars vineyards in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway . After doing a vintage in 1978 at Wynns Coonawarra he decided to study wine production and marketing at Roseworthy College. After he graduated in 1981, Neil worked as a winemaker making wine for several Clare Valley wineries before starting Pikes with brother Andrew in 1984. He has now completed 38 vintages in the Clare Valley. Andrew was introduced to the wine industry through his father Edgars vineyards in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway. Andrew attended Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1976 with a Diploma in Agriculture, and immediately joined Wynns Coonawarra Estate. After almost 4 years at Coonawarra, he joined Penfolds Wines in 1979 where he established a new vineyard project in the Clare Valley. The seeds for Pikes Wines were immediately sown, as he quickly realised Clares potential. Andrew become General Manger Vineyard Operations for the Southcorp Wine Group where he was responsible for over 6000 ha of corporate vineyard and all grape supply on a global basis. During this time he was also involved in the establishment of Pikes Wines in the Polish Hill River Valley sub region of Clare. In 1998 Andrew resigned his position at Southcorp to assist his brother Neil in the running of the Pikes family business.

The 2018 Shiraz is full of brambles and blue/black fruits with a spicy lift. Layers of brooding dark fruits, spice and savoury characters are framed in fine oak. The sinewy tannin profile pulls the wine through to a long and moreish finish.

The wine displays a complex aroma of lifted violets, red berries and mint with lovely cedary oak. The palate is brimming with rich plums, blackberries and subtle chocolate and earthy notes. The intense flavour is balanced by fine sandy tannins and spicy vanillin oak.

This premium Shiraz is rich with intense plum and cedar oak. Gentle tannins wrap the palate with blackberry and raspberry, with a smooth long finish.

Come savour pure, delicious 91pt Sevenhill Inigo Grenache from vines planted in the 1920s, without a hint of oak. Fresh aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries and a nice of cinnamon draw you in, leading to a pretty, finely detailed palate showcasing juicy fruits helmed by tart acidity. Another example of why Aussie Grenache is on the rise. "This is super-pale in the glass, and sets off with a magenta hue. Absolutely vibrant aromas, pretty and fresh; a cascade of pink fruit tumbles over itself to waft toward the nose. The palate is detailed, fresh and pretty, without the muscular, billowing density that grenache can achieve. A fine-boned wine that speaks of sumac strawberries, raspberry Freeza icypole, rhubarb pie, salted licorice and blackcurrant pastille... 91pts" (Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion).

Scores of 91pts, 92pts and a star for Special Value point to the quality of this straight Cabernet Franc from the ever-impressive Pikes of the Clare Valley.“Bright and fresh style with good balance of brambly herbal character, pepper and dark plummy fruit, with suggestions of black olive and some more ferrous, earthy elements. Bold perfume, more sleek and almost crisp... Long strides of tannin, and there's a freshness through the finish. This is really pleasing.” Mike Bennie, The Halliday Wine Companion. The Wine Team here certainle agree with Mike. Very pleasing indeed!