Pikes Settlers Cottage Shiraz 2020

In the tapestry of premium Australian wines, the Pikes Settlers Cottage Shiraz stands as a shining example of how heritage, terroir, and thoughtful winemaking converge to produce something both memorably expressive and enduringly elegant. Born in the cool-climate vineyards of the Clare Valley, this Shiraz is rooted in a region that has long been synonymous with structured, vibrant red wines , wines that combine purity of fruit with a disciplined backbone of acidity and tannin.

Origin

The Clare Valley, perched at altitude with cool nights and abundant sunlight, provides an ideal setting for Shiraz that leans more toward finesse and precision than sheer power. Within this landscape, Pikes works with carefully selected sites that emphasize soil diversity, elevation, and drainage all essential ingredients for creating fruit with intensity and balance. The name Settlers Cottage evokes a connection to the region’s history, a nod to the pioneering spirit that first drew vine plantings to this unique pocket of South Australia.

Winemaking

From vineyard to bottle, the philosophy behind Settlers Cottage Shiraz is one of respectful intervention. Grapes are hand harvested at optimal ripeness to capture nuanced flavors and freshness. Small lot fermentation allows for careful monitoring and gentle extraction, preserving the purity of the fruit while building structure. The wine then spends time maturing in quality French oak, most often a combination of new and seasoned barrels, which adds texture and complexity without overshadowing the varietal character. The oak influence is measured, contributing subtle spice and supportive tannins rather than overt oakiness.

Awards and Accolades

Over the years, Pikes Settlers Cottage Shiraz has garnered consistent praise from critics and collectors alike. It has received strong scores in respected wine competitions and publications, often highlighted for its balance, aromatic clarity, and age worthiness. While specific award titles may vary by vintage, the wine’s reputation for reliable quality has become as much a hallmark as its tasting profile, earning it a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate refined Australian Shiraz.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Settlers Cottage Shiraz reveals a deep ruby hue with a hint of youthful purple at the rim. The nose is inviting yet refined: blackberry and plum are threaded with slinky spice, clove, and an undercurrent of forest floor and peppercorn. There’s a lifted freshness to the aromatics that hints at the wine’s cool climate origins.

On the palate, the wine delivers a harmonious interplay of fruit and structure. Dark red and black fruits, think ripe cherry, blueberry and blackcurrant are articulated with minerality and a fine grain tannin profile that carries them forward. The oak influence is elegant, offering vanilla and subtle smoked cedar without dominating. Acidity is bright enough to keep the wine lively and long on the finish, with savory earthy notes weaving through to the final lingering impression.