Ranked #5 of 80 2022 Riesling from Clare Valley
96/100
5 Stars
Aaron Brasher
Pale straw, bright and really youthful in the glass. Fragrant, pretty and lifted aromas of lemon pith, bath salts, citrus blossom and wet slate. Fine, delicate and pointed on the palate, mouth-wateringly citrusy, juicy, mineral, pithy with lip-smackingly crunchy acidity. This is a class act and has a long life ahead of it.
Tasted: 25/01/2023
Drink: 2023 to 2038
95 Points James Halliday
The Merle commands attention at the apex of 'reserve' Clare Valley riesling styles. This is no slouch. It's complex and potent, precise and exceptional in its carriage of flavour and the detail within. It's very aromatic, redolent of fresh lime, green apple, ozone, ginger, jasmine and thyme. Flavours are similar but set within a very fresh feeling, chalky textured rapier thrust of tart lime, pink grapefruit and tangerine fruitiness, offset with very minerally, briny tang. An epic wine. Drink to 2040.
Mike Bennie. May, 2023