2026 Rieslingfreak No 3 Riesling, Clare Valley

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 to 2035.

95 points & Special Value Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion, September 2026

John Hughes created Rieslingfreak to showcase the remarkable diversity of Australia's greatest Riesling regions, with each numbered release reflecting a distinct vineyard or style. No. 3 is the heart of the collection, drawing primarily from the Hughes family vineyard in White Hutt and capturing the generous fruit, vibrant acidity and unmistakable character that have made Clare Valley one of the world's great homes of Riesling.

The 2026 release is sourced predominantly from the family vineyard, where heavy Terra Rossa clay soils rich in nutrients and natural water holding capacity consistently produce fruit of impressive flavour intensity and palate weight. The exceptional 2026 vintage delivered a wine of remarkable balance, marrying the vineyard's trademark richness with elegance, freshness and precision.

Pale straw with bright green highlights, the bouquet is richly expressive with aromas of Meyer lemon, tangelo and fresh nectarine. The palate is generous yet beautifully refined, layering vibrant lemon and pink grapefruit with notes of rockmelon, guava and papaya. Beneath the expressive fruit lies a tight line of crisp natural acidity that brings focus and energy, carrying the wine through to a long, zesty and refreshingly mineral finish.

Serve with freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, Thai seafood salads, salt and pepper squid or a soft goat's cheese tart. Captivating in its youth for its purity and vibrant fruit, this Clare Valley Riesling has all the balance and structure to reward extended cellaring.