Winemaker Notes
This is the most finely-structured and elegant of our three vintages of Hickinbotham Vineyard Shiraz. It's another step in ourdetermined effort to get the best from this distinguished upland site. Each of our three Shiraz vintages is a little further from thetraditional high-alcohol, full-bodied McLaren Vale Shiraz from the lower, warmer country in the south of the region.
Vegan
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I tasted this 2014 Brooks Road Shiraz as a second-round release in 2022. This wine was made by Charlie Seppelt and not by Pete Fraser as the more recent ones are. This is great. It is pure and savory, with attractively fine tannins through the middle palate and tail. A cascade of salted red fruits that tumble over each other and really spool out through the long finish. Smart. Very smart.
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James Suckling
The nose to this shiraz is quite unique with fresh citrus and orange peel running through layers of blackberry crumble, crushed stones and vanilla. Full body, ripe tannins, uplifting acidity and a fine finish. Drink now or in 2018. Screw cap.
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Wine Spectator
The fleshy plum and licorice notes are generous, with a plump, plush body, cinnamon-scented spice accents and touches of black tea on the finish. Drink now through 2027.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.