Limefinger Polish Hill River Solace Riesling 2026

After retiring from the family’s Clare Valley operation, with a long string of some of Australia’s greatest Rieslings under his belt, Neil Pike established his own a small operation making tiny quantities of some Clare Valley Riesling. When we say small quantities, his Polish Hill Vineyard not only copped frost for the second year in a row but also faced the challenge of the drought conditions experienced throughout South Australia in 2026. Consequently, Neil was able to harvest just 700 kilograms of fruit from this home vineyard, allowing him to produce just 15% of his normal output, a miserable 375 bottles. In other words, if you want this cracking Riesling in your cellar, get on your bike. Gin clear, this is a wine of coiled power just awaiting to be unleashed. Granted that may take a decade or two for it to reach its peak, but it will provide immense pleasure over that journey. The nose provides aromas of florals, citrus and grapefruit. Elegance, intensity and great length are evident in this ethereal Riesling. On the palate, we see notes of crisp pears, sea breezes and oyster shells. There is a hint of austerity, as one might expect from this sub-region. A fine line of acidity runs the length. Superb now, there is so much more to come over the next twenty to thirty years.

Ken Gargett

Contributor at Winepilot

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.

Wine writer and critic