Limefinger Learnings Watervale Riesling 2023
- 95
- $42
- Drink by: 2023-2031
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It has only been a few years but Neil Pike, one of the Clare Valley’s most experienced and skilled Riesling makers, has made some serious waves with his new label, Limefinger. These are Clare Rieslings of the highest quality. “The Learnings” is sourced from the St Clare Gardens ‘Honey Home Block’, just northeast of the Watervale township. The vineyard was planted in 2002. This is trout stream transparent in colour. The nose gives us lovely citrus characters, hints of grapefruit and limes, florals, spices with a chalky backing. There is balance and focus with great length supported by fine acidity – absolutely nothing out of place here. Neil talks about this going for five to seven years before it develops that alluring toast and honey. Perhaps, but I have no doubt that the wine will continue to drink beautifully long after that, another five to eight years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
