2023 Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage was one where patience was the ultimate virtue, and spending time in the vineyard was critical to achieving quality Riesling.
After a decidedly typical winter that yielded average rainfall and temperatures across most of South Australia, the arrival of Spring brought record breaking rainfall of 236% above average in Clare and 227% above average in the Barossa, being the wettest spring on record for both regions. These wet conditions were paired with record breaking lows in temperature, with the maximum daily temperature being 3°C below the long-term average in both Clare and Eden Valley.
The cold, wet spring conditions led to significant delays in budburst and shoot growth, with early growth milestones occurring 5-6 weeks later than normal. Summer rainfall was low across the Clare and Eden Valleys, but thanks to the wet spring there was plenty of soil and supplemental water to keep the vines fresh and to support ripening.
Daytime and night-time temperatures were significantly cooler than average across both regions, with the entire season being remarkably mild and temperate. The cool summer temperatures extended into the early autumn and ensured a long, slow ripening season with remarkable acid retention in the grapes.
Rieslingfreak commenced harvest on 14th of March – 4 weeks later than the previous year – and exactly 12 months from the date of our final crush in 2022. The 2023 harvest began with a small parcel of grapes from the Polish Hill River Vineyard for our No.8 “Schatzkammer” Riesling. This was quickly followed by grapes from our White Hutt, Polish Hill River, Eden Valley and Flaxman Valley vineyards, completing our entire harvest in just 11 days. Our final crush was completed on the 24th of March with fruit from Ben Zander’s vineyard for No.12 Flaxman Valley Riesling.
While vintage has been one of lengthy delays and numerous challenges, we at Rieslingfreak are ecstatic with the entire range of 2023 Rieslings. While the after-effects of the 2021 hailstorm are still felt across Eden Valley with reduced crop loads due to physical damage to the developing buds, crop levels from Clare and Polish Hill River are above average, and the quality of the wines from all regions are looking truly exceptional. It is genuinely difficult to pick a favourite region – let alone a favourite wine – from the 2023 vintage thus far.
The hallmark of 2023 seems to be an abundance of intense aromatics, with all of our Rieslings bouncing out of the glass with powerful and complex bouquets. The opulent aromatics are matched with a rich spectrum of flavours and exceptional natural acidity that abounds across the board; all early hallmarks of a truly exceptional vintage for Rieslingfreak.
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'The Freakettes Favourite Six'
2 bottles of each - 2023 Rieslingfreak No.10 Zenit Riesling, 2022 Rieslingfreak No.11 Mosaik Eden Valley Riesling, 2023 No.12 Flaxman Valley Riesling
2023 Vintage Release - 6 pack
A flight of the 2023 vintage showing purity and aromatics
2020 Rieslingfreak No.1 Grounds of Grandeur Riesling - 3 pack
Paying respect to the individual vineyard, the grower, and the grapes, this Riesling reflects the very best of the vintage. This style of Riesling has texture and complexity, combining subtle oak notes with citrus flavors and an acid line that will drive this wine many years into the future.
2020 Rieslingfreak No.1 Grounds of Grandeur Riesling
Paying respect to the individual vineyard, the grower, and the grapes, this Riesling reflects the very best of the vintage. This style of Riesling has texture and complexity, combining subtle oak notes with citrus flavors and an acid line that will drive this wine many years into the future.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.2 Polish Hill River Riesling
Polish Hill River is renowned for producing Riesling of elegance, and the 2023 No. 2 is no exception. The bouquet is highly perfumed with aromas of fresh grapefruit, jasmine, chamomile and apple blossom, with a hint of peachy sweetness.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.2 Polish Hill River Riesling Magnum
Polish Hill River is renowned for producing Riesling of elegance, and the 2023 No. 2 is no exception. The bouquet is highly perfumed with aromas of fresh grapefruit, jasmine, chamomile and apple blossom, with a hint of peachy sweetness.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling
The family vineyard in White Hutt always produces wines of great generosity, and the 2023 No.3 is a uniquely balanced wine that exhibits both richness and delicacy.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.4 Eden Valley Riesling
Eden Valley is renowned for Riesling of elegance, perfume and minerality; and the 2023 No.4 is a classic example of this.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.5 Clare Valley Off Dry Riesling
A year like 2023 with an abundance of natural acidity in the grapes, makes it a perfect vintage for exquisitely balanced Off Dry Rieslings.
Rieslingfreak No.7 NV Clare Valley Fortified Riesling 375ml
Aromas of caramel, vanilla, biscuit and ripe stone fruits. The Palate is very luscious , with sweet citrus, orange and stone fruit flavours…
2023 Rieslingfreak No.8 Polish Hill River Schatzkammer Riesling
With an abundance of natural acidity in the grapes, 2023 makes for an exciting vintage for our iconic “Schatzkammer” Riesling.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.8 Polish Hill River Schatzkammer Riesling Magnum
With an abundance of natural acidity in the grapes, 2023 makes for an exciting vintage for our iconic “Schatzkammer” Riesling.
2019 Rieslingfreak No.9 Clare Valley Sekt (sparkling)
Disgorged in June 2022, this wine captures the essence of great riesling fruit, bursting with citrus and white peach; perfectly complemented by the subtle yeasty undertones of autolysis as notes of floral honey and toasted brioche.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.10 Zenit Riesling
No.10 is the Riesling we blend together that we believe best represents the hallmarks of the vintage. It is our ultimate multi-regional blend that is the definitive expression of Riesling…
2023 Rieslingfreak No.10 Zenit Riesling Magnum
No.10 is the Riesling we blend together that we believe best represents the hallmarks of the vintage. It is our ultimate multi-regional blend that is the definitive expression of Riesling…
2022 Rieslingfreak No.11 "Mosaik" Eden Valley Riesling
Our No.11 Mosaik brings together the elegance of Eden Valley Riesling, the exotic funk of wild-type yeast strains, and the supple phenolics and subtle spice of old French Oak barrels to create a complex masterpiece of flavour and texture.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.12 Flaxman Valley Riesling
First released in 2021 to celebrate John’s achievement as being heralded as Barossa’s Winemaker of the Year, this wine celebrates the beauty of High Eden Riesling via a distinctive and highly perfumed bouquet, and elegantly structured palate.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.12 Flaxman Valley Riesling Magnum
First released in 2021 to celebrate John’s achievement as being heralded as Barossa’s Winemaker of the Year, this wine celebrates the beauty of High Eden Riesling via a distinctive and highly perfumed bouquet, and elegantly structured palate.
2023 Rieslingfreak No.99 Out of the Square Riesling
No.99 is our “Out of the Square” label - a veritable Winemakers’ Playground created to allow the occasional release of unique, small-batch and one-off wines.
Phil & Thrope 2022 Hughesy's Eden Valley Riesling - 12 pack
Phil and Thrope is a wine label created to raise monies for Barossa Foundation. The 2022 Hughesy's Eden Valley Riesling is a fruit driven style of Riesling, with generosity on the palate, poised for ultimate enjoyment on release. All profits from this wine going to support Barossa Foundation.