Pikes, The Merle, Polish Hill River, Clare Valley, 2014

Brothers Neil and Andrew Pike celebrated their 30th vintage at Pikes in the Polish Hill River district of the Clare Valley in 2014. The Merle is their top Riesling, the expression of slate soils tapped by mature vines from two blocks in the family vineyard. The brothers’ attention to detail begins in the vines, with an eco-friendly approach that comes close to organic, including mulching and mid-row cover cropping. Minimalist, modern, temperaturecontrolled winemaking preserves delicacy and vineyard definition.   Sarah Ahmed <br /> Lifted lychee nose, sweet heady musk characters, a saline note and a firm, tight, mineral palate.   Justin Knock MW <br /> Pristine and extremely aromatic – almost soaring out of the glass. Really classy and fine palate, showing balanced, long flavours of lemon and lime, and a softness to the acidity.   Anthony Rose <br /> Lovely, spring-blossom aromatics. Taut and crisp mid-palate fruit that is concentrated and still elemental, but already showing promising citrus fruit quality with a mineral, stony, dry finish. Lots of potential.