“Already established in the wine industry, in 1984 the Pike family pooled resources to purchase its first 27ha. The Merle is named after the family matriarch, in tribute to their history and tradition. The highly regarded 2021 release is made from just three blocks among the best parcels of their own vineyards in the Polish Hill River estate. Justin Knock MW: Super-precise, steely and pinpoint, salivating, refreshing, lime juice, wet rocks, slippery thirsty acidity. Really lovely balance and finesse. Roger Jones: Gentle, spiced honeycomb, fresh yellow florals, clean and pure, touch of wet stone, delicate jasmine, clementine citrus peel. A wine to age, with great character, depth and woven citrus-curd acidity. Julia Sewell: Candied lemon peel, green mango and green pear aromas. Punchy and powerful, this holds nothing back, yet is balanced across all elements. With a seamless and strikingly juicy palate, a hint of something tropical adds an exotic element.”
— Decanter, May 2022

“This has very intense aromas of lime and wet slate with some sweeter florals, as well as white nectarine. So fresh. The palate has intensity and drive, with the same fresh lime and white-nectarine flavors. Very long and vivid.”
— James Suckling, Apr 2022