First class Watervale from Neil Pike. This Learnings 2025 is effortless, detailed and so pretty. Riesling lovers rejoice!
2025 was not the easiest year in the Clare, but the cream rises to the top, particularly in tough times. The perfume, mouth feel, shape, tension and sheer sophistication all dazzle here.
Pretty aromas of bath salts, bath powder, little white flowers and green apple peel seduce but it's the core of limes and green apple fruit that sets this alight. The acid draws a tension and focus that I'm here for, but the fruit maintains a delicacy. And that right there is the class of the maker. Often the acidity has the ability to steal the show, but not here - it's just part of the package. Crushed quartz minerality adds further detail with a pretty mouth perfume that has me leaning in. The talc finish caps things off perfectly. Take a bow Mr Pike.
96/100
Region: Clare ValleySource: Sample
