2003 Pikes Riesling

Clare Valley

There are very few wines that I would classify as 'perfect', however the 2003 Pikes Riesling from the Clare Valley is one of them. Being home to some of Australia's best Rieslings, Clare Valley Riesling ought to be good. But this particular wine is great. The nose, as expected, is brimming with lemons, limes and honeysuckle - but this is not what makes the wine sensational. What does is the delicacy and suppleness of the palate. When you take a sip of this wine, you hardly notice that you have it in your mouth. There is no sour acid, no harsh phenolics and no perceivable alcohol - just pristine, mouth-watering flavours.

This is most certainly my wine of the season. Drink it young, drink it chilled and enjoy the tasting of summer.

© Toni Paterson January 2004

Price: $22-$25
Vigneron: Andrew Pike       Winemaker: Neil Pike
web: www.pikeswines.com.au

Wine Diva Wine of the Month, February 2004