Pikes Wines Olga Emmie Riesling 2021

A delicate, off-dry feel to this little charmer.

A gentle sweetness fits the riesling grape so well, and here it’s almost gossamer thin, something that is present but, intriguingly, hard to pin down.

It’s a fine winemaking line to walk. Some makers can be a little ham-fisted, but here, the off-dry sweetness is subtly integrated into the fruit.

White flowers, jasmine, apple blossom join with a lifted lemon zestiness on the bouquet.

Olga Emmie – named in honour of Andrew Pike’s paternal grandmother – is perceived by the winemaker as a half-dry German spätlese style – but maybe without the spice.

Combines energy and tension, a soft but nervy acidity provides structure working in tandem with the grape’s concentrated citrus. A lemon meringue-like texture is slowly developing.

Another youngster from a top vintage who looks to be in early good form. Can’t wait for it to spread its wings.