I’ve been a fan of John Hughes, aka The Riesling Freak, since we attended Roseworthy together back in the 90s. Since then, John’s transformed his passion for riesling into one of the country’s most recognisable riesling brands in the form of Rieslingfreak.
Since John’s first vintage in 2009, his range has grown to include a multitude of styles ranging from dry through to off-dry, sparking and even a fortified. All are sourced from the best sites in the country, in both the Clare and Eden Valleys.
With John’s passion, expertise and experience, it didn’t take long for his star to rise.
And:
Wow… that’s an impressive list of achievements!
But of all of these achievements, I think it was John’s breakout at the Royal Sydney Wine Show in 2017 that was his most significant. Back then John was still relatively unknown, and I still remember the pandemonium when his Rieslingfreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017 picked up an unbelievable clutch of awards:
To give this some context, the prestigious Tucker Seabrook Trophy is awarded to the best wine of the seven major Capital City Wine Shows held around Australia in the previous twelve months. Each show submits their ‘Wine of Show’ for a final round of judging at Sydney Royal. Over 17,000 wines have been judged to reach this point.
It was unprecedented for one wine, from such a young producer, to scoop the pool, and mayhem ensued as everyone rushed to get their hands on it. Not surprisingly it sold out in a flash, but as a long-standing Rieslingfreak supporter, I was able to secure some (thanks John), which I then put aside.
I also put aside some of the Rieslingfreak No 4 Eden Valley Riesling 2017, which at the 2017 Melbourne Wine Show was awarded a Gold Medal and 96 points. It was also selected to be served by Qantas Business Class for both domestic and international.
With time, the greatness of the 2017 vintage has become more evident. When comparing all his vintages from 2009 to 2023, John recently had this to say about the 2017 vintage:
“Rieslingfreak’s best vintage ever!! The 2017 Vintage has to be one of the most exciting I have ever seen with Riesling, and I am going as far to say it is the Riesling vintage of the century thus far. With a long and cool spring and summer, and the generosity of rain from Mother Nature, the vintage was set for the Riesling vineyards. Riesling is one variety that performs particularly well under cool and wet weather conditions. As a result, we had ample water to the vines, creating large canopies, big bunches and big berries - the perfect recipe for great Riesling.”
With John recently picking up a gong for Riesling of the Year by Halliday’s Wine Companion (good luck trying to find it) I thought it time to celebrate with a truly unique Rieslingfreak 2017 offer.
Rieslingfreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017
In the glass, this is a clear light gold. On the nose, subtle gooseberry and pineapple notes meld. And on the palate, musk, lemon and lime notes are offset by white pepper and mineral notes. A vibrant and youthful wine with clean, refreshing acid. But its flavours are generous, with great intensity and balance - I can see why it won all those awards!
John's Tasting Note: "Remarkably vibrant and still imbued with the zest of youth, this wine is refined and mineral-driven with a purity and linearity not often seen, even among the very best Clare Rieslings. Delicate aromas of Jasmine and Lemongrass dance lithely over the classic lemon/lime bouquet that is punctuated with a nuanced spike of menthol and herbaceous wintergreen. The pure and linear palate abounds with sweet flavours of citrus and nectarine while the crisp, bright acidity draws through to a long, lingering finish. A truly exceptional Riesling experience!! Cellaring Recommendation: 15-20 Years."
I can offer it for $50 a bottle.
Rieslingfreak No.4 Eden Valley Riesling 2017
In the glass, this is also a very clear light gold. On the nose you’ll find honey and lemon curd with a whisp of aged riesling character. On the palate, zingy lemon and lime notes with still youthful acidity, contrast with aged characters and subtle woody notes. A lovely balance between citrus and nuttiness. Great drinking.
John's Tasting Note: "This wine is remarkably bright; vibrant and fresh with an impetuous air of youth about it. While a touch restrained, the bouquet is a symphony of citrus with fresh limes and lemons, over a minerally base of summer rain on warm slate. The palate is equally elegant and precise with delicate flint and mineral flavours, while the generous natural acid provides a long, clean palate and a perfectly formed finish with that is soft yet crisp. Still remarkably youthful, this wine embodies everything that is exquisite about Eden Valley Riesling will continue to reward for many years to come. Cellaring Recommendation: 15-20 Years."
I can offer it for $45 a bottle.
Or - take as a 6 pack with 3 of each and save $45
3 x Rieslingfreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017
3 x Rieslingfreak No.4 Eden Valley Riesling 2017
A unique opportunity to get your hands on these extraordinary wines. Enjoy them now or put them away for a few more years.
I can offer the six pack for $240 (save $45).
