"Rieslingfreak sits at the apex of riesling producers, a dedicated specialist with one of the finest winemakers of the variety. John Hughes established Rieslingfreak in '09 and together with his wife Belinda, they now produce some 13 distinct releases per year, with fruit sourced from the Eden and Clare valleys. The exacting nature of the project is writ large in precise, evocative white wines that vibrate with purity and tension, built not only for early consumption but long-haul cellaring. Hughes’ commitment to the variety is unswerving with incremental increases in quality seemingly coming each year. From dry styles to wines of varying sweetness levels, this is the definitive riesling project in Australia." Mike Bennie | Halliday Wine Companion
The No.3 is harvested primarily from the family vineyard, situated in White Hutt, Clare Valley. The grapes are grown on heavy red clay soils that are rich in nutrients and have significant water holding capacity. These classic Terra Rossa soils are responsible for the rich flavours and generous palate weight that has become the hallmark of the No.3.
"A very neat and tidy expression that leans into the tension, chalky pucker and energetic drive of the variety. Very crisp, with a pink grapefruit tang and a haziness to texture that finishes juicy. A little sweeter citrus profile as it rolls away after each sip. Licks of quartz-like minerality, a bit of eucalyptus lozenge and some green apple, too. It's pure, vibrant and has bell-ring clarity for the variety and region." 93pts | Mike Bennie | Halliday Wine Companion