2024 Pikes The Merle Riesling

Named in tribute to Pike’s family matriarch, ‘The Merle’ is a selection of the best parcels of Riesling from their Polish Hill River Estate.

Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts. Bursting out of the glass are intense lime, citrus and orange rind aromas which are trailed by some green apple, talc and steely mineral notes. Tense and focused, the riveting palate features concentrated flavours of lime, lemon and Granny Smith apple. Chiselled acidity lends a taut sculptured feel with subtle orange rind, chalky talc, wet steel and flinty mineral elements extending across the back half. Outstanding power with a long, bracing finish that’s delivered with laser like precision.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 11.5%

Other Reviews…..
While the Traditionale is regularly one of the very best in its price bracket (and often well above it), The Merle never fails to sit among the very best releases of Clare Riesling, year after year, no matter what price bracket you quote. For me, this is one of our iconic Rieslings. The colour for this latest release is a near transparent lemon. The wine is elegant and refined, fresh and focused and offers drive, impeccable balance and endless length. A line of sea breeze acidity runs the length, the intensity never drops for a moment, and that freshness is still evident throughout. Fabulous stuff, this latest release is a worthy addition to the lineage. Enjoy over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044.
97 points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

I'd be happy to lie on my back and have someone drip feed this Pikes The Merle Riesling into my mouth for the rest of my days. What an impeccable wine this is. Pure, focused, detailed and delicate all at the same time, class oozes from every pore.
It's a supreme exercise in precision and highlights the gift that the Clare Valley subregion of Polish Hill River is to the production of this fabulous variety.
Only made in exceptional years, specific parcels were selected and it was made exactly the same as the Traditionale Riesling.
Limes, lime leaf and green apple feature large but carry themselves with fabulous humility. Lemongrass and grapefruit add detail with a river stone minerality that threads its way through the frame. Pretty white field flowers offer a fresh and vibrant aroma that calls you back time and gain.
The 2024 Clare Valley Rieslings are absolutely humming and be sure to pop The Merle down as one of the wines that you need to track down. Drink to ten years+
97 points
QWineReviews.com