2026 RieslingFreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling

Zippy and racy with a tight line of crisp acidity.

Since it’s establishment in 2009, winemaker John Hughes has in a very short period of time established RieslingFreak as one of the country's preeminent producers of the variety. Wine critic Mike Bennie describing it as ‘the definitive Riesling project in Australia.’ 
Brilliant water like core with a faint greenish tinge to the surrounding edges. Leaping out of the glass are lime and lemon scents trailed by some orange rind, chalky talc and steely mineral notes. Zippy lime and lemon fruits have a racy feel across the palate underscored by a tight line of crisp acidity. Granny Smith apple, wet steel and flinty mineral elements linger on. Great tension with a long, lip-smacking, bone-dry finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 10.5%

Other Reviews......
The No.3 comes mostly from the family vineyard in White Hutt, Clare Valley. This is the wickedly fresh, go-to riesling from Rieslingfreak's suite of '26 releases. It marries superb balance, lively acidity and minerality, strict, citrusy freshness and a genial suppleness to texture that shouts loud in its inherent drinkability, accessibility and charm. Concentration is notable and warrants higher merit in the conversation around quality. A very good riesling, and brilliant at the price. Drink by 2035.
95 points
Mike Bennie - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion