2025 Rieslingfreak No. 11 Mosaik Eden Valley Riesling

John Hughes has a knack for pushing Riesling into fresh, exciting territory and his No. 11 "Mosaik" proves it once again.

This release comes from the esteemed Lienert vineyard in Flaxman Valley, fermented wild and aged for a year on lees across three French oak barrels - roughly 70% seasoned oak, with one new French oak puncheon in the mix for extra spice and structure. It's Eden Valley purity with a twist: a Riesling that's layered, textural and seriously delicious.

It smells like walking past a bakery - honeycomb, peach nectar and warm spice, with fresh pastry and a hint of saffron. The palate is where it really shows its personality: decadent and creamy, with a supple, textural grip that gives way to rich, almost marmalade-like fruit and a savoury edge of spicy oak. A big, generous mouthful of a wine, but crisp acidity keeps it honest right through to a long finish.

Started as one of Belinda Hughes' experiments a few years back, this remains a genuine point of difference in the range and is still knitting that new oak together - expect it to be singing by Christmas. Beautiful right now alongside roast chicken or a creamy pasta, or simply poured on its own. This cuvee is exclusive to Different Drop so you won't find it anywhere else.