2025 Pikes Traditionale Riesling

Zesty and taut with a long laser sharp finish.

Pikes have long produced one of Clare Valley’s benchmark Rieslings, 2025 marking the 41st release, one which was marked by frost and drought, yielding smaller crops but fruit with incredible purity. Fruit is sourced predominately from the Estate’s Polish Hill River vineyard with the balance coming from growers located in the Watervale, Sevenhill, Leasingham and Mintaro districts. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel on lees for 3 months.
Brilliant water like core with green tinted edges. Aromas of lime and citrus leap out of the glass followed by some green apple, orange rind, talc and chalky mineral notes. Concentrated lime, citrus and green apple fruits drive the zesty palate with subtle orange rind, chalky talc and steely mineral elements extending across the back half. Crisp, taut line of acidity with a long, tense, laser sharp finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11%

Other Reviews……
The test of a good vineyard is often how well it performs in challenging years, and 2025 was certainly a challenging one. Yet the wine has emerged as something of a triumph. It’s a Clare Valley wine and produced with 100% free-run juice, then kept on lees for about three months, introducing a level of texture to the keenly edged palate. The perfumed mix of lemons and lime is evident immediately, and then the palate displays that subtle tension through the acid and a fine minerality that extends through to the finish. It never fails to disappoint, and it’s another excellent example of what Pikes can do. Drink 2025-2035.
94 points
RayJordan – WinePilot.com