2026 Rieslingfreak No.12 Flaxman Valley Riesling

Originally created to mark John Hughes being named Barossa's Winemaker of the Year, the No. 12 has quickly become one of the standouts in the Rieslingfreak line-up - a beautiful expression of High Eden Riesling.

Sourced from three small family-owned vineyards in Flaxman Valley, this is the first vintage where the No. 12 is an equal blend of all three sites, showing off the unique character each one brings to the wine. Like the rest of the range, this fruit came through a vintage of frost, drought and late, heavy rain to arrive at harvest in pristine condition.

This is Flaxman Valley at its most exotic - there's a gorgeous, almost tropical perfume of kaffir lime and rose petal, grounded by that earthy, wet-slate minerality the site is known for. The palate is ultra-refined and delicate, slick and satiny in texture, with a citrusy zip balanced by a steely, flinty edge underneath. Manages to be delicate and driving at the same time, finishing long and laser-focused.

Fresh, focused and outrageously good value - this is one of the best wines of the vintage this year.

96 points
"Bone dry, taut and sleek, with a scorching mineral cadence and long, porcelain core of limey fruit that shoots forth like a laser. Woah!"
- Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points
"Golly, this is a delight to drink... Lots of bones and wet pebble-laced lime juice hanging off them. Impressive stuff."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)