2018 Pikes The Merle Reserve Riesling 1500ml, Clare Valley

Sourced entirely from Pikes' Polish Hill River vineyard. It may well be, as Neil Pike says, made for the 8 to 10-year long haul, but I'd be very happy to have a glass tonight. It's beautifully balanced and spacious - not a word that I use often - thus allowing the complexity and texture to build with grace.

96 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au 1 August 2019

Classic aromas of crushed lime leaf and citrus blossom initially, then some more subtle slatey/flinty notes.The palate is crisp, fresh and slightly talcy/slatey – the linear aspects of this wine showing through very clearly. It has enough fruit weight to keep it all in balance though. Citrus characters emerge more as the wine opens up in the glass exhibiting great length and poise. Lovely.

Another terrific vintage of “The Merle”. It will certainly appeal immediately to those who like fresh, young Rieslings, but for those who like a little more complexity of bottle aged Riesling cellaring for 7 -12 + years is recommended.