2016 Pikes The Merle Riesling Magnum

Mainly from the Thicket Block in the Polish Hill River planted '88, 100 magnums also produced. This wine always has an extra dimension to its fruit and structure. Bright pale straw-green; Neil Pike's comment that 'it is citrussy, lean, pure and slatey' is true, but doesn't address the exceptional drive and length the wine has It is a great riesling, lovely now, but with even more in store in the far distant future. Trophies Clare Valley Wine Show '16.

The Merle takes its name from Neil and Andrew Pikes' mother. One of the genuine benchmarks for Clare Valley Riesling, the Merle is sourced from two specific blocks (the Gill's Farm and Hill Blocks) of one vineyard on the Pikes estate. These vines, which are rooted deep in blue slate soils, constitute the oldest ungrafted vines on the property. Fermentation in stainless steel tank is carried out by wild yeasts. Extended lees contact adds depth and texture on the palate and production is limited to several hundred cases per year.