Pikes The Merle Riesling

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Wine Description

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.

“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) — Wine Enthusiast, Mar 2024

“This is still extremely youthful, the nose pure lemon sherbet in the first moment, but slowly revealing a wide spectrum of citrus notes, including lemon blossom. Very racy and tightly wound on the concentrated and sleek palate. You need to like acidity to fully appreciate the samurai sword-like finish at this early stage in its life.”
— James Suckling, Oct 2022

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Vineyard name

Pikes Estate

Soil composition

Red and Brown Clay over Blue Slate

Training method

VSP

Elevation:

1,155 feet

Varietal composition:

100% Riesling

Type of aging container:

Stainless steel tanks

pH level:

2.96

Acidity:

8.6 g/L

Alcohol:

11.5 %

Residual sugar:

3.1 g/L

See Brand

POS MATERIALS

Tech Sheet Bottle Shot Acclaim

Pikes The Merle Riesling

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Pikes The Merle Riesling

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