2026 Rieslingfreak No 8 Schatzkammer Riesling, Polish Hill River

The German word Schatzkammer translates as "treasure chamber", an apt name for one of Rieslingfreak's most distinctive and sought after wines. Winemaker John Hughes created the No. 8 to celebrate a style inspired by Germany's great off dry Rieslings, while showcasing the remarkable fruit of Clare Valley's Polish Hill River. Produced only from a tiny, specially selected vineyard block, it is a wine where precision, purity and elegance take centre stage.

The fruit comes exclusively from Block D6, a tiny 0.4 hectare parcel within Rob and Lyn Jaeschke's Polish Hill River vineyard, just south east of Clare. Planted on grey brown loam over sandy limestone and shale, the 20 year old vines sit in a sheltered gully bordered by a steep hillside and creek line, creating a unique microclimate that consistently delivers fruit of exceptional intensity and balance. The outstanding 2026 vintage produced Riesling of remarkable elegance, vibrant flavour and electric natural acidity, making it an ideal year for this iconic release.

Pale straw with brilliant green flashes, the bouquet is immediately captivating with fragrant aromas of lemon sherbet, guava and hibiscus. The palate is beautifully poised, with succulent residual sweetness carrying luscious tropical and zesty citrus flavours before giving way to a thrilling line of crackling acidity. Remarkably light in alcohol yet packed with flavour, it dances effortlessly between sweetness and freshness, finishing long, pristine and mouthwateringly crisp.

Enjoy lightly chilled with spicy Thai salads, fresh prawns, pork dumplings, Vietnamese rice paper rolls or soft washed rind cheeses. Delightful in its youth for its vibrant fruit and energy, this beautifully balanced Riesling also has the structure to evolve gracefully for many years.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2043.