Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2023
G 95
Does the Clare Valley proud, year after year. Admirable consistency again in 2023 from this vineyard high in the Clare hills, delivering an attractive purity of Riesling flavour and brisk acidity which will suit the cellar. Arresting scent of citrus blossom, lemon drop, lime zest and talc . . . very Clare. A zesty fresh, juicy, citrussy core of lime punctuated in aromatic jasmine notes and a touch of ginger and Thai basil. A refined, subtle texture made bright by some zippy acidity, just right for early drinking, if that is desired. Length is impressive. Drink now–2030 Pikes The Hill Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 95 Lovely Cabernet fruit intensity at its core, which then filters across every corner of the wine. Cassis, blackberries, blueberries, briar, leafy and herbal with an autumnal earthy harmony, the quality of fruit and the clear identification of Cabernet strengths in both flavour, structure and detailed tannins make for a rewarding wine experience. Quite seamless. Drink now–2038 Pikes The Merle Riesling 2024 G 95 The Merle celebrates the purest expression of Riesling off the Pikes’ Polish Hill River vineyard. Set against a warm, textural backdrop, the ‘24 explores the River’s distinctive floral-induced aromatics – honeysuckle, white pepper, Thai basil – before zeroing in on its citrus intensity in lime flesh, zest, preserved lemon with red apple and a splash of lemongrass. It’s one complex youngster. Past releases assure the drinker that it will also age a treat. Drink now–2036 Rieslingfreak No. 2 Riesling 2024 G 95 So fine, so precise, with goosebump excitement levels for Riesling nerds out there. Piercing scent, delicate and fragrant in white flowers, apple blossom, lime, lemon and grapefruit pith. An old school Riesling of structure, structure, structure, with a firm line of assertive acidity that just keeps on going. Purity of fruit is concentrated and beautifully expressed in lime, lemon, dusty citrus and Granny Smith apple bite. Line and length assured, so too a super dry persistence through to the finish. Drink now–2037 Rieslingfreak No. 3 Riesling 2024 G 95 Essentially dry, No. 3’s fruit sweetness brings a scintillating tingle that is hard to forget. It goes hand in hand with gentle lime blossom, lemon sherbet, red apple, bath salts and slate aromas that are beautifully transformed on the palate with winemaking precision. There is a wealth of flavour still tightly bound to a fine texture and braced in tingle acidity with a citrus and mineral edge. A highly tensile young Riesling ready to go (for eager beavers out there) or with a big future ahead (if you have the will). Drink now–2037
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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