Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2026 750ml

“Classic Clare Valley Riesling with juicy lime, green apple and a fine chalky mineral finish.”

Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2026 marks the 42nd release of one of Clare Valley's most dependable Rieslings. Fruit comes from the Pikes estate at Polish Hill River together with long standing growers across Watervale, Leasingham, Mintaro and Sevenhill.

Fresh lime and lemon lead the way, with green apple, citrus blossom and subtle stone fruit adding plenty of aromatic lift. The palate is dry, vibrant and beautifully focused, with juicy citrus, bright acidity and a fine chalky texture carrying everything through to a long finish.

This is one of those wines that makes buying Riesling remarkably easy. Drink it young for all that lime and citrus energy, or put a few bottles away and let time do the rest. At this level of quality, buying one for now and one for later seems less like indulgence and more like sensible planning.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh lime, lemon and green apple with citrus blossom and delicate floral notes.

Palate: Dry and energetic with juicy lime, green apple and citrus, supported by vibrant acidity and a fine chalky texture.

Finish: Long, crisp and mineral with lingering lime, citrus and a refreshing sherbet like tang.

Serving Suggestions

Excellent with freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, sashimi, delicate white fish and salt and pepper calamari.

It is also a terrific match with Thai and Vietnamese dishes, particularly those with chilli, lime and fresh herbs. The citrus and acidity cut through richer flavours while keeping everything fresh. Pikes specifically recommends seafood and dishes with a little spice.

About The Winery

Pikes has been part of the Clare Valley wine story for generations, with the Pike family's history in brewing and winemaking dating back to 1878. Traditionale Riesling has now been produced for more than four decades and remains one of the wines most closely associated with the estate.

The 2026 vintage was not an easy one. A severe November frost significantly reduced yields at the Polish Hill River estate, while rainfall interrupted harvest. Despite the challenges, the surviving fruit retained excellent natural acidity, concentration and varietal character.

Consistency can be an underrated talent in wine. Pikes has been making a very convincing case for Clare Valley Riesling for 42 releases now, so they have had a little practice.

Cellaring Potential

The 2026 is already delicious for its juicy lime, green apple and energetic acidity, but there is plenty of structure for cellaring.

Gary Walsh gives the wine a drinking window of 2026 to 2035 onwards, making this a very good candidate for buying a few bottles and watching classic Clare Valley Riesling develop with age.

Collector’s Note

The 2026 vintage specifically has already received excellent reviews.

95 Points: Qwine
95 Points: Nick Ryan, The Australian
93 Points: Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Details

Producer: Pikes Wines
Vintage: 2026
Variety: Riesling
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Wine Style: Classic Clare Valley Riesling
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Body: Light Bodied
ABV: 11%
Closure: Screw Cap
Critic Scores: 95 Points Qwine, 95 Points Nick Ryan, 93 Points Gary Walsh
Key Flavours: Lime, Lemon, Green Apple, Citrus Blossom, Stone Fruit, Mineral Notes