Brilliant clarity, slight green hues in appearance. On the nose crushed Kaffir lime leaf and jasmine blossom lift easily out of the glass alongside some Granny Smith apple skin notes.

On the palate, a burst of intense lime juice with some white stone fruits in support speaking to a slower, longer vintage. Further Kaffir and florals emerge in the glass with a dried ginger note showing the complexity and layers of this iconic wine. Power and length on show immediately yet a delicacy across the palate balancing the long term potential of this wine without sacrificing its approachability upon release, with the textbook Polish Hill River's Slatey minerality providing backbone.

Drink and enjoy immediately or hide away for 10+ years and savour the liquid gold of aged Clare Riesling. Incredibly versatile but this South Australian benchmark works famously with whiting and tandoori mackerel, prepared however you best enjoy it and served with a big wedge of lemon.

Good winter rain allowed soil profiles to be full, giving the vines a great start to the growing season. A remarkably cool summer followed, providing perfect conditions for healthy balanced vines. The long ripening period produced fruit with a perfect balance of good colour, high natural acidity, and concentrated flavours.

Named after family matriarch, 'The Merle' is selected from the best parcels of Riesling from their Polish Hill River Estate, this release is sourced from 3 blocks. Their aim is the purest expression of Polish Hill Riesling.

"While the Traditionale is regularly one of the very best in its price bracket (and often well above it), The Merle never fails to sit among the very best releases of Clare Riesling, year after year, no matter what price bracket you quote. For me, this is one of our iconic Rieslings. The colour for this latest release is a near transparent lemon. The wine is elegant and refined, fresh and focused and offers drive, impeccable balance and endless length. A line of sea breeze acidity runs the length, the intensity never drops for a moment, and that freshness is still evident throughout. Fabulous stuff, this latest release is a worthy addition to the lineage. Enjoy over the next twenty years. Drink to 2044."
97 points.
Ken Gargett, Winepilot (December 2024)

"Very linear and refined, this shows kaffir limes, apple blossoms, slate, lemon zest and nectarines. The palate is highly strung with so much energy and tension, the citrusy mineral finish bringing a steely precision. Grown exclusively on Polish Hill River slate soils. A wine built for the ages. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
96 points.
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (June 2025)