This wine honours the most famous of all cricket battles, the Ashes. Ricky’s career against England was uncompromising, with no quarter asked or given of his opponents. From 35 tests played, he captained 18, scored eight centuries and 2,476 test runs.

Distinctive McLaren Vale characteristics shine through The Pinnacle. Sweet, soft, warm tannins whilst the palate is rich berry fruits, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves. A big, rich and complex Shiraz, with finesse, texture and elegance. This wine pays homage not only to McLaren Vale, but to the pinnacle of the cricketing world, the Ashes.

Ponting Wines is a collaboration between one of Australia’s most celebrated cricketers, Ricky Ponting and Ben Riggs, an award-winning Australian winemaker known for uncompromising, high quality wines. Masters of their craft, their partnership has been forged to celebrate their dedication and achievements.

Each wine reflects Ricky’s life and has been carefully crafted by Ben to ensure flavour, structure and complexity are of the highest quality.

McLaren Vale is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world, with over 40 geologies present throughout the region. McLaren Vale enjoys a Mediterranean climate driven by dominant winter rainfall, low humidity, warm summers, and the moderating influence of the nearby Gulf St Vincent.

2021 was one of the best vintages in McLaren Vale in recent years, good winter rains set up the start of growing season. Vines grew quickly with an unusually dry summer and early autumn. 

McLaren Vale enjoyed healthy yields, bolstered by early February rainfall, and the equal earliest start of vintage on record, triggered by some February heat. A mild Autumn kept sugar levels at bay and furnished excellent quality in whites and reds, with strong varietal definition, concentrated aromatics and deep colours and tannins in red varieties.

Fermented in traditional open fermenters, and following pressing, finished in 35% new oak. Approximately 80% French, 20% American.

Vineyard parcels were kept separate during fermentation and maturation, with blending three months prior to bottling.