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Wine Description
The Story
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 de...
Vintage 2021
2021 Barossa Valley Vintage Report
Following two particularly dry seasons, many were hoping for Mother Nature to be much kinder, and mostly she was. Winter rainfall in 2020 recorded 148mm, the same as winter 2019, (22% below average). The majority of this rainfall was in the latter half of August, with the rain continuing into September and October. This was ideal timing to replenish soil profiles to field capacity moving into budburst in O...
