RIPOSTE BY TIM KNAPPSTEIN The Scimitar Riesling, Clare Valley

Slices of citrus and floral notes abound on the nose of the 2019 Scimitar Single Vineyard Clare Valley Riesling complimenting a palate of lingering fresh lime and lemon flavours and finely balanced acid.

This wine was always designed to bring new world and old world together. After going to Bordeaux to meet the team at Boutes Barrels, John worked with the Coopers, to design a barrel that would work for Australian Riesling. They designed a 1500L barrel, which has had minimal toasting, resulting in a long barrel, which would act more has a maturation vessel, compared to a barrel which would impart oak into the wine. 2017 Rieslingfreak No.1 is made in a style which is different from any other Rieslingfreak. The wine has been wild fermented in a barrel, where as John normally ferments in stainless steel and with cultured yeast. Rieslingfreak is the inspiration of John Hughes, a man who is very passionate about his rieslings. The first vintage of the brand was in 2009, with a single vineyard Clare Valley Riesling. Since then, the label has expanded to include Eden Valley and Polish Hill River regions. The brand philosophy is to represent the hallmarks of a single region with their iconic winemaking style. Each Rieslingfreak wine is allocated an individual number. This number represents not only the region in which the fruit was grown, but also the style and technical specifications with which the wine is made. Rieslingfreak is about providing consumers with a range of specially crafted rieslings embracing both different regions and styles. It is only released from vintages considered worthy.

Its one of the worlds greatest white wine varieties because its light, fresh and easy drinking.The palate is driven by a line of beautiful, minerally acid and slightly sweet, fruit focused finish.

This regional collaboration release, developed in partnership with selected local growers showcases Clare Valley Riesling at its best. We invite you, as we invited them, to 'walk this way' and sample the rewards derived from working together, across our special part of the wine world, to celebrate our regional hero!

The development of this wine was an integral part of a winemakers 9-year, but ultimately unsuccessful, battle with bowel cancer. The first wine under this label was a Riesling and to this day, part of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle to fund his sons education.

Established in 1893, Leasingham was a founding winery of the Clare Valley, crafting wine for nearly 120 years. Today, they select only the most outstanding wines for release under the premium Classic Clare label. Consistent show success rewards the depth and integrity of these distinctly regional wines.

Colour - Golden straw with Light Green Tones. Bouquet & Palate - This wine commenced with a restrained floral perfumed nose of lemon blossom aromas. It has now started to emerge from its initial straight jacketed steely tightness, opening up with glorious ripe pear and lemon flavours with hints of ripe rock melon that linger on the palate with a long, dry & refreshing finish.

Bouquet & Pal- A restrained floral perfumed nose with lifted lemon/lime aromas. The clean lime/lemon citrus flavours that linger to a long dry finish. The Reserve Riesling can be enjoyed now or carefully cellared for some years to fully capture its potential. This is a wine for the patient lovers of traditional Clare Valley Riesling.