Built like Merle from “The Walking Dead” – for the long haul. Polish Hill Riesling to the core. Coiled intensity. Steely and stony with lemon and lime riding shotgun.
Excruciating concentration sets it apart. A suggestion of salinity and breathtaking architecture. The wet pebble finish goes on and on. So much pent-up energy. Get excited now, get your rocks off later. 96 Exceptional
Region: Clare Valley
Alcohol: 12.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Tasted: March 2013
I see you finally managed to score one : ). Tasted this in September 2012 at http://www.mrandmrsg.com.au/ when Pikes came to Brisbane – something they will now do each year, it was a great event, generous pours that eventually became help yourself and the canapes kept coming – all for free! Pretty much agree with all your descriptors Jeremy and yes this wine does have a bit more going on early than is usual for the Merle but that’s because of the sheer power of the 2012 vintage fruit. I do really like Polish Hill River rizzas and having said that, this wine is at the pinnacle of aus rizzas. Prefer these wines when they have some age.
BTW Jeremy, The Merle has experienced some recent price rises – was $38 two vintages ago and then went $42 and now $45, although offered en primeur at the Pikes event @20% discount. Re: The Other Theme – I don’t get even a whisker of bitterness anywhere in this wine.
Cheers Peter, price adjusted. And agree – no sign of bitterness in this Riesling.