Aroma
The nose is richly seductive with aromas of Meyer lemon, tangelo,
and fresh nectarines.
Palate
The palate is intensely flavoured with zesty citrus-driven
flavours of lemon and pink grapefruit, complemented by rich fruity notes of
rockmelon, guava and papaya. The lusciously flavoured palate is classically
generous yet deceptively delicate, deftly bound by a tight line of crisp acidity
that carries through to a long, zesty finish.
Vintage Notes
In the lead up to the 2026 harvest, the drought conditions that had plagued
the first half of 2025, were somewhat compensated by higher than average
Spring rains which encouraged good early canopy growth in the vineyards.
Colder and wetter conditions through November delayed flowering and
fruit set, setting the early agenda for what was to be a relatively late harvest.
As summer arrived, an extended period of dry weather with warmer than
average temperatures, meant that sun protection and judicious irrigation was
paramount throughout the ripening period, but proved perfect conditions for
slow and steady ripening – the typical harbingers of an outstanding year for
Riesling.
Vintage officially commenced on the 5th of March – a full four weeks later
than in 2025. Five days later the summer drought broke in spectacular
fashion, with almost 90mm of rain falling in 48 hours. While the effects of
this unprecedented rain event were felt across both Clare and Eden Valleys,
quick response by our growers and cool heads in the winery were paramount
to ensure that grape quality was maintained; and by the time the last of the
juices made their way into ferment they were among the purest expressions of
Riesling the Freaks have ever seen.
While 2026 certainly put winemaking skills to the test, the entire range of
Rieslingfreak Rieslings are a remarkable expression of refined elegance,
purity, power, and poise. The almost perfect growing conditions leading into
harvest clearly determined the quality and style potential, which endured the
impact of the late season rains to deliver a sensational selection of distinct and
distinguished Rieslings.
Region Notes
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.
