Clare Valley, South Australia

Rieslingfreak No.5, like No.3 is made from the family vineyard, but with the grapes harvested from a vineyard with lighter soils therefore providing a lighter style of wine.
The grapes are harvested earlier in the season, to provide a wine that is slightly less in alcohol. Being ‘off dry’ the sugar level can vary each vintage, pending on the season, normally between 11-15g/L. The sugar is balanced nicely with the acid, providing a fruit driven style with a hint of sweetness. The wine drinks well on release, or will reward with cellaring. - John Hughes, Winemaker

A year like 2022 with an abundance of natural acidity in the grapes, makes it a perfect vintage for exquisitely balanced Off Dry Rieslings; and John has declared that the 2022 No.5 is the best Rieslingfreak No.5 he’s ever made! The bouquet is richly imbued with aromas of Meyer lemon, orange blossom and sweet nectarine, while the lusciously flavoured palate abounds with freshly sliced grapefruit and spiced apple pie. The natural sweetness adds an unctuous richness to the mid-palate, while the driving natural acidity imparts linearity and length with a crisp, clean finish. A fabulous Off Dry Riesling to enjoy now, or put away for the future. - Rieslingfreak

"Pale colour with dominant mandarin and orange citrus aromas, very fresh and nascent, while the taste is fruity within its very delicate, reserved framework, the fruit underlined by a tickle of sweetness which is kept in strict check by vibrant acidity. Delicious and mouth-watering. This is barely an off-dry style, and very appealing." - 95 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review