Duff Wines Rizza 2026
AU$40, 11.8% alcohol, screwcap, Hunter Valley.
You don’t see a lot of Hunter Valley riesling and, to boot, this version (which was fermented wild) spent time in oak, so it stands out for a few reasons. It’s a very interesting wine: textural, smoky, spicy, a bit nervy, a bit “natural” in its yeasty, more-than-fruit presentation. It keeps you on your toes in the best of ways. There are red apple characters here, almost blackcurrant bud territory, driven along by brine, citrus and grapefruit. It’s a special wine. It would be amazing at the dining table.
94 points – Campbell Mattinson.
