Print this Wine         1999 Pikes Riesling   POLISH HILL RIVER, CLARE VALLEY                 January Release   Riesling       It would seem that there is no such thing as a bad, or even ordinary vintage for Clare Valley Riesling. The reds seem a little more variable, although the overall wine quality from Pikes is remarkably consistent. This vintage can be seen as triumphant for the Riesling. The vibrant youth of the wine is the first thing that strikes you. The color is neither yellow or green but contains strong elements of these hues. The color is light in shade but has depth and there is color right to the rim of the glass. Immediately on the bouquet this is trademark Pikes Riesling, with lifted citrus aromas being present along with a powdery, mineral component. The scents are intense and concentrated. The fruit flavors evident on the nose tend to dominate the mineral characters once the wine is in the mouth. This is particularly due to the youth of the wine, but also an indication of the low yields and ideal harvest conditions for this vintage of Riesling. The finish is quite dry and the only sweetness comes from the ripeness of fruit and not from residual sugar. Quite often the Riesling may be left slightly sweet by many producers to give extra weight to the existing fruit. This is not a bad thing, however if you have the fruit there in the first place there simply is no need for this clever little trick. With the dry finish there is the typical steely acidity that Neil Pike invariably retains in his Rieslings. This is the classic "each way" style, meaning the wine can be enjoyed right now but if you so prefer it will age for a considerable length of time, say up to 10 years. The acid works in both these styles of wines. At the moment it provides a tangy lift to the finish, and in the cellar it will help to protect the fruit from the ravages of time and oxygen. Try the wine with rich food containing plenty of oil or fat. The acid in the wine will act as a counterbalance and cut through the richness. This type of food is not for everyone so as an alternative look towards shellfish or delicate, white fleshed fish as a suitable partner. The accompanying dressing may use citrus juice or chilli heat to spice it up and either would match this fragrant wine.         How do I download Hi-Res Labels?

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