Wines
2008 Merle Reserve Riesling
“THE MERLE” RESERVE RIESLING 2008
The Clare Valley is my favourite wine region of South Australia. It's beautiful; summers are mild but sunny; winters are wet and perfect for a glass of red wine in front of an open fire. A Clare Valley rielsing can age for three decades or more. Neil Pike of the Pikes winery has been making wines for about long. This wine is sensational. It's pure lime cordial; concentrated without being awkward or uncomfortable. It's seductive and will have you coming back for ore. The lime purity is supported by a hefty amount of minerals, both on the nose as well as the palate.
Perfect match with Simon Tam - Sunday Morning Post Magazine - 19th Sept. 2010
A pure expression of Clare with fresh lime juice and talc, aromas framing an abundance of zesty, fine fruit on the long, dry and even palate.
94 points. James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2010
Comes from the Polish Hill River region near the Clare Valley. Immensely powerful yet with typical restraint and delicacy. Treats the palate beautifully with its gentle build-up of flavour that persists to a very long finish. Lingering acidity is a feature.
93 points Ray Jordan West Australian, 24 January 09
The Merle, from Pike's vineyard in the cooler Polish Hill subregion, presents a more intense, taut face of Clare riesling - a wine of exceptional finesse and delicacy with long-term cellaring potential as well as drink-now appeal. Comes from the Polish Hill River region near the Clare Valley. Immensely powerful yet with typical restraint and delicacy. Treats the palate beautifully with its gentle build-up of flavour that persists to a very long finish. Lingering acidity is a feature.
Chris Shanahan Sunday Canberra Times, 26 October 08
This 2008 reserve riesling has made a transition into new territory with a portion of natural yeast fermentation adding texture and enriching the intensity of the Polish Hill River terroir. Intense, pure and fine citrus fruit aromas, the palate travels on bright acid lines, finishing strong with slatey minerals and show stopping intensity" 96 points.
Nick Stock - The Pengium Good Australian Wine Guide 2009
BRONZE MEDAL - 2008 International Riesling Challenge