Pikes

Brand Description

The Pikes estate is situated in the picturesque Polish Hill sub region of South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley. Brothers Andrew and Neil Pike established Pikes Wines in 1984 and continue to manage every aspect of the business today. They take great pride in producing quality handcrafted wines that reflect vintage, variety and region. Pikes flagship wine is Riesling Traditionale which has gained an international cult like following as Australia’s best dry Riesling. The Pikes story in South Australia is one rich in history dating back to 1878 when Englishman Henry Pike, Andrew and Neil’s great-great grandfather, immigrated to South Australia and established the family brewing business called H. Pike & Co. The company used the English Pike fish on the label, which remains to this day a symbol of Pike’s long heritage, now spanning three centuries.

Location of Vineyard

Pikes is situated in the North West section of the Clare Valley, in a sub-region known as Polish Hill River. The vines enjoy east to southeast exposure and for the most part are ungrafted, with just a small percentage planted on rootstock. The soils are red brown earth over clay, with slate and broken bluestone subsoil. The property is 240 acres (97 hectares), of which 200 are under vine. The region of Polish Hill is renowned for its black slate, which runs underneath the Pikes vineyards.

Winemaking Philosophy

Pikes aims to produce wines that reflect their varietal, regional, and vintage conditions. They are quite happy to watch over the wines during their formative stage and intervene only when necessary.

Pikes Wines Vintage from Nadinne Wilkinson on Vimeo.

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“A vibrant, transparent perfume of lime zest, white blossoms, orange essence and chalk leads. Racy acidity on the palate cuts through a slippery texture, leaving tangy citrus flavors lingering long on the finish. Highly refreshing and a bargain for the quality.” – (Editors’ Choice) — acclaim for 2022 Pikes Traditionale Riesling from Wine Enthusiast, Mar 2024

“There’s lovely intensity and vibrancy to this wine; a hint of kerosene adds, rather than detracts, from the bright citrus and floral aromas. It’s dry and juicy on the palate with racy, lime-drenched acidity and a long, persistent finish. Could gain honeyed complexity with lengthy cellaring, it’s a wonder- fully refreshing drop now.” – (Cellar Selection) — acclaim for 2022 Pikes The Merle Riesling from Wine Enthusiast, Mar 2024

“A fleshy, swarthy red. Opens with blueberry fruitiness, some cola and sarsaparilla notes, red cherry, rosehip tea and faint sage herbal lift. The palate has a nice slosh to it, a generosity though it retains a sense of freshness and gluggability. Not so complex, but kind of compelling as it shows off a distinct array of flavour and scents, all of great appeal. Charming stuff, is the sense.” – (Bronze) — acclaim for 2021 Pikes Los Compañeros from James Halliday, Nov 2023

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