Wines Clare Valley Pikes - Eastside - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The 2017 Pikes “Eastside” from Clare Valley is a distinguished red wine that reflects both its varietal composition and the unique terroir from which it hails. While the exact blend is not specified, Pikes is renowned for its work with varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, often crafting wines that balance vibrant fruit with structure and regional character. The 2017 vintage benefited from a relatively cool growing season in Clare Valley, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex aromas. Vinification at Pikes typically favours a gentle approach, with careful extraction and maturation in a mix of seasoned and sometimes new oak, ensuring the fruit remains at the forefront while gaining subtle spice and tannic backbone.

Clare Valley, situated in South Australia, is a region celebrated for its elevation, continental climate, and distinctive soils composed predominantly of limestone and clay. This combination contributes to wines of notable freshness, structure, and longevity. The area is steeped in winemaking history, with European settlers recognising its potential as early as the 19th century. Today, Clare Valley is especially known for its expressive reds and world-class Rieslings, with a climate marked by warm days and cool nights aiding in flavour development and retention of natural acidity—a key component to the style of “Eastside”.

For food pairing, this Clare Valley red offers ripe dark berry and plum notes, accented by earthy and spicy nuances, making it an ideal match for hearty dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shank or beef stew. Australian classics like a peppered kangaroo fillet or grilled sausages with rosemary and root vegetables also work beautifully. For a regional touch, try pairing it with roast lamb seasoned with native Australian herbs or a robust mushroom pie to highlight the wine’s savoury side.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for up to an hour to allow its aromas to unfurl. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This will showcase the vibrancy of fruit while keeping tannins supple and integrated, providing a harmonious and expressive drinking experience.