96 Point Rated - Ken Gargett Wine Pilot

"Pikes Wines from the Clare Valley (and Adelaide Hills) are inevitably some of the most reliable in the country. They never miss. From their origins in the mid 1980s, Pikes have offered this Riesling (the name may have varied a touch) and it is always one of the best value buys in the country. If you are confronted with an unfamiliar wine list, and Pikes Traditionale is on it, look no further. This is the 37th release of this wine. The fruit comes from the family’s vineyards, plus growers in Watervale, Sevenhill, Leasingham and Mintaro. 

This is one of the very best of the Riesling Traditionale line I have seen. The colour is like faded pale yellow, think of the most dilute rays of sunshine immediately after a thunderstorm. Lovely lifted aromas tantalise. Limes, spices, bath salts, a hint of Turkish Delight, and throughout, appealing florals. The wine has immaculate balance and good intensity. Seriously impressive length and a nice flick of acidity to carry the wine. This has ten to twenty years ahead. Superb stuff."

95 Point Rated - Jeni Port Wine Pilot

"Deep and meaningful. Not too often you get to write that down as a first impression of a wine, let alone the first impression of a very young, Clare Valley riesling. But out it came in my notes, together with “so balanced and accomplished,” and “comes fully formed with depth of fruit flavour.” These kind of tasting notes indicated something special. But the wine was soooo very young. I consulted the internet for details on the 2021 vintage in Clare Valley. Words like “classic” and “perfect ripening conditions” kept popping up. It was all making sense.

A fab Clare vintage produces fab riesling, and Pikes has produced a belter. Citrus descriptors got a big workout with this wine from lemon drop and zest to lime cordial and grapefruit pith. They gathered on the bouquet, all lively and fresh. They worked with the wine’s acidity to provide real tension – that vibrancy we love to see in riesling – and juiciness, mouth-wateringly, so. But what I really loved about this wine was the fact that while you could see a long life ahead – as indeed classic Clare rieslings tend to enjoy – it was fully formed now and raring to go. You don’t normally see that in a riesling quite so young. It’s a star turn, all right.

95 Point Rated - Aaron Brasher The Real Review

"Very youthful in the glass. Aromas of lemon rind, white flowers, talc and jasmine. Zesty, lemony and tangy on the palate, lovely brightness and freshness, quite delicate. A lovely line of crunchy acidity rounds the flavours out very nicely. The length is impressive "

95 Point Rated - Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2021

93 Point Rated - Angus Hughson Wine Pilot 

“Winemakers around South Australia cheered when the 2021 vintage came along after the challenges of 2020, with the Clare Valley in particular having a superb year. And what really made the vintage is fantastic fruit concentration with this Pikes Riesling a superb case in point. In is super pale in colour, often a good sign, before launching into a wide array of aromas. Roses lime, guava, and grapefruit all packing quite a punch – there’s is no shy little riesling flower here. That impact then continues on to the palate with tart yet balanced acidity in perfect unison with exceptional fruit extract before a long and strong finish. It’s riesling on steroids so perfect for a spicy fish curry.”

Gold Medal

Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2021