2026 Rieslingfreak No 4 Riesling, Eden Valley

Riesling sourced from across the southern ranges of the Eden Valley: High Eden for velocity and structure, and sites around Angaston and Springton for aromatic lift and flavour intensity. Pale with a flash of green. As high tensile and sizzlingly precise as ever. Fresh lime, lemon juice and crunchy green apple, with hints of ozone, grapefruit soda, crushed quartz, sliced fennel, Christmas lily, finger lime and lemongrass. Crystalline, with a laser-like focus and a head-spinning velocity. It's taut, sleek and lip-smackingly sapid. The freak has done it again.

95-96 points Special Value Dave Brookes, Hallday Wine Companion

John Hughes has dedicated his winemaking career to exploring the many personalities of Riesling, with each Rieslingfreak release showcasing a unique regional expression. No. 4 celebrates the elegance and perfume of Eden Valley, bringing together fruit from carefully selected vineyards to create a wine that captures the region's distinctive purity, minerality and remarkable natural acidity.

The 2026 release is sourced from vineyards across the southern ranges of Eden Valley, combining the structure and acid drive of High Eden's Flaxman Valley with the rich aromatics and flavour intensity of sites near Angaston and Springton. The exceptional 2026 vintage produced fruit of outstanding balance and precision, allowing each vineyard to contribute its own layer of complexity while preserving the vibrant freshness that defines Eden Valley Riesling.

Pale straw with brilliant green highlights, the bouquet bursts with aromas of fresh lime zest, passionfruit and guava, lifted by fragrant notes of rosewater, jasmine and elderflower. A distinctive slate like minerality emerges with air, adding further intrigue. The palate is beautifully focused, revealing flavours of finger lime, poached quince and kiwi sorbet wrapped around a finely etched mineral core. Tight, crystalline acidity provides exceptional length and precision, finishing crisp, pure and lingering with vibrant citrus and floral notes.

Pair with freshly shucked oysters, grilled King George whiting, sashimi, Vietnamese rice paper rolls or goat's cheese. Delicious for its youthful vibrancy, this elegant Riesling has the structure and balance to reward careful cellaring for many years.