2026 'The Merle' Reserve Riesling

The Cold conditions delayed budburst by two weeks, followed by a cool spring and severe frost on 12 November across our Polish Hill River estate. With estimated crop losses of up to 85%, the season was potentially the most challenging in Pikes’ history. Fortunately, other Clare Valley subregions were less affected. Our established growers and a few new grower partners helped us secure additional fruit to off set the estate shortfall. Unaffected vines remained healthy and balanced, with warm January conditions supporting steady ripening. Harvest began 16 days later than 2025, with four rain interruptions testing our growers, vineyard and winemaking team. Despite these challenges, low disease pressure helped maintain excellent fruit quality, delivering bright acidity, purity and concentration.

Lifted lemon blossom and white flowers lead into fresh lemon and lime, with a subtle saline note adding definition and complexity.

Concentrated lime juice is carried by mouth-watering acidity through the centre of the palate. Juicy and finely balanced, with a gentle grip and mineral, saline finish that gives the wine excellent length.

Rated 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The WineFront, October 2026
"Delightful. That’s what it is. It has a sort of citrus leaf and lemon myrtle perfume, a little spice, lime and green apple, a good crunch to acidity, a certain fluffiness and juiciness, also a pleasing chalky grip, finishing very long with a light quinine bite."

Rated 96 Points, Ray Jordan, Winepilot, October 2026
"This is a wonderful example of riesling in its purest, most pristine form. The aromas show a distinct pebbly, slatey character, with fine citrus minerality. The palate is precise, intense and lingering, with those slatey influences most evident. There's a lovely line of keen acidity that extends through to a very long finish. It's a wine that will certainly reward longer-term cellaring."