Pikes Il Premio Reserve Sangiovese 2020

A lot of wineries tend to get pigeonholed these days. For example, Pikes has been pigeonholed as a producer of cracking Rieslings. Which is true, but it neglects the fact that they can, and do, do so much more. Their latest collection of premium reds
will more than confirm that. All from estate fruit from Polish Hill River sub-region, all $75, and all seriously impressive examples of what Pikes can do with top-notch Clare Valley fruit.

This Sangiovese has finally graduated from life under a separate label to part of the Reserve series. The vineyard was planted in 1993, one of the earlier blocks of Sangiovese in this country, which has allowed the team to gain many years of experience with this sometimes underwhelming grape. A bright, translucent red with delightful notes of morello cherries on the nose topped by dry herbs and red apples. This is a fine savoury style, mid-weight with good focus and a long, lingering finish. Good acidity and soft tannins too so will drink well over the next five years. A very good local example of this famous Tuscan variety.