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.
The StarDozen consists of the following:
3 bottles Rieslingfreak No.2 Polish Hill River Riesling 2025
3 bottles Rieslingfreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling 2024
3 bottles Rieslingfreak No.4 Eden Valley Riesling 2024
3 bottles Rieslingfreak No.5 Clare Valley Off Dry Riesling 2025
Rieslingfreak No.2 Polish Hill River Riesling 2025
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.
Rieslingfreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling 2024
Such a beautiful, concentrated yet composed wine from John's mum and dad's vineyard at White Hutt, 5.8km north of the Clare township. So perfumed and essential, with crunchy lime, green apple and grapefruit alongside high tones of wildflowers, Christmas lily, jasmine, talc, mineral salts, peach skin and stone. Concentrated yet super-tight on the palate with a tubular core of focused lime and citrus fruits, a beautifully fine structure and a tangy, energetic line with velocity to burn. A superb, pristine wine. Date: Jul 2024; Alcohol: 11.4%; Price: $28.00; Drink by: 2038; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion
Rieslingfreak No.4 Eden Valley Riesling 2024
Sourced from Rieslingfreak growers in the Eden Valley, predominately the High Eden; John recalls there were lots of smaller bunches in the '24 season. Tight and high-toned, as all Eden Valley riesling should be, with Bickford's lime cordial and Tahitian limes at its base. Hints of orange blossom, crushed quartz, lemongrass and stone with a light, balanced sheen of phenolics and a febrile sense of urgency as it careens across the palate, finishing fine and long. Date: Jul 2024; Alcohol: 11.5%; Price: $28.00; Drink by: 2038; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion
Rieslingfreak No.5 Clare Valley Off Dry Riesling 2025
Rieslingfreak No.5, like No.3 is made from the family vineyard, but with the grapes harvested from a vineyard with lighter soils therefore providing a lighter style of wine. The grapes are harvested earlier in the season, to provide a wine that is slightly less in alcohol. Being ‘off dry’ the sugar level can vary each vintage, pending on the season, normally between 11-15g/L. The sugar is balanced nicely with the acid, providing a fruit driven style with a hint of sweetness. The wine drinks well on release, or will reward with cellaring.
(12392)
SKU | 12392 |
Brand | Rieslingfreak |
Shipping Weight | 1.3333kg |
Unit Of Measure | ea |