For John Hughes, the attraction to Riesling is all encompassing. Growing up on a small vineyard in the Clare Valley, and going on to work with some of the brightest Riesling makers in the country before launching his own venture, John is never far away from his beloved grape. John makes classic Australian styles from carefully selected vineyards with an emphasis on purity and site reflection, as well as German-inspired expressions that balance acidity and sugar with singular precision.

Rieslingfreak No.2 is a dry Riesling, showcasing many of the refinements typical of the Polish Hill River region. The limestone and shale rock soil profile is reflected in the Riesling with mineral and slate notes, underlying fresh citrus characters, predominantly lemon and grapefruit. Wines from this vineyard can be consumed upon release, or cellared for many years.

A shimmery, lightweight and ultra-pure riesling of high perfume, substantial minerality and wonderful delicacy. This is all gossamer and lace, trickles and rivulets of saline and brine in ultra-tart grapefruit juice, dashes of green herb, a touch of white pepper. It's skeletal and connected by pinpricks of flavour, but all of it adds up so clearly into a very elite wine. Don't expect power, but relax into the strikingly mouth-watering and refreshing nature of this light, fine-boned wine. Drink in its vigorous youth. Date: Sept 2025; Alcohol: 10.5%; Price: $37.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion