Rieslingfreak No.8 Polish Hill River Schatzkammer Riesling 2026

Rieslingfreak No.8 Polish Hill River Schatzkammer Riesling 2026 is a finely balanced, sweet Riesling inspired by the traditional German Kabinett style. The fruit is sourced from Rieslingfreak’s Polish Hill River vineyard, situated approximately five kilometres south-east of the Clare township. Owned by Rob and Lyn Jaeschke, the vineyard is planted on grey-brown loam over sandy limestone and shale rock, a soil profile associated with the distinctive mineral character of Polish Hill River Riesling. Fruit for the No.8 is selected specifically from Block D6, a tiny 0.4-hectare parcel positioned within a small gully between a steep northern hill and the tree-lined bank of a creek. The vines are approximately 20 years old, established on older rootstock and planted in an east-to-west direction.

The 2026 growing season produced Rieslings distinguished by refined elegance, purity and pronounced natural acidity despite challenging rainfall during harvest. Rieslingfreak describes the wine as sweetly scented, with lemon sherbet, guava and hibiscus aromas flowing into a richly flavoured palate. Succulent residual sweetness carries an array of tropical and zesty citrus flavours across the palate without overwhelming the wine’s structure. A powerful line of crackling acidity provides tension and precision, balancing the sweetness and making the wine appear exceptionally fresh. The wine is naturally low in alcohol due to the early harvesting required for this distinctive style. Its clean, crisp finish highlights the carefully judged interplay between fruit, sweetness and acidity that defines Rieslingfreak No.8. Although immediately appealing for its fragrant fruit and plush sweetness, its high natural acidity also provides the structure required for patient cellaring.