The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson: Mudgee

Showing posts with label Mudgee. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Mudgee. Show all posts

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Huntington Estate Grenache 2024

08:00 Stu.

So far, 2024s from Mudgee are looking denser in their initial presentation. Dark and black fruit, not necessarily jammy on the nose - but it certainly conveys a sense of "fruits of the forest" on the initial fore-palate.

There's a curl of sweetness through the palate and to the spine. It actually builds into something, almost licorice like. There's a smattering of dark cocoa, a lingering bittering counterpoint to the initial fruit burst. 90

Tasted on: Thursday 18th September
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2024 / grenache / Mudgee

Monday, 3 November 2025

First Ridge Alira Prosecco 2024

16:00 Stu.

A light petillence on pour. Somewhat mute aromatics, but the palate conveys a delicate balance of citrus, lemon butter - even a suggestion of lemon thyme here.

A soft entry leads a minerally dance across the palate, subtle layering of flavour flows through to a finish of cleansing acidity. You'd happily see a bottle off over a light luncheon. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th October
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 11.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.firstridge.com.au/

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2025 / Mudgee / Prosecco

Friday, 31 October 2025

Huntington Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2023

16:00 Stu.

The barrel ferment character sings clearly with this one. It's that barely there toast, over a waxy Broulee character, fennel pollen, citrus bent, and a lanolin top note.

The palate conveys a similar charm, yet bolstered by bright acid that bursts forth through the finish. A minerally edge makes this feel young, fresh and inviting. 91

Tasted on: Friday 17th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2023 / Chardonnay / Mudgee

Thursday, 24 July 2025

First Ridge Pinot Grigio 2024

11:05 Stu.

The faintest amount of colour draws the eye here, aromatics of ripe beurre bosc, along with a little baking sweet-spice lure further.

A nice snappy line of acids brings vibrancy and energy. Lithe and lively, surpassing by a long stretch many pedestrian examples with focal appeal, allure, and line. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 23rd July
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.firstridge.com.au/

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2024 / Mudgee / Pinot Grigio

Wednesday, 12 March 2025

First Ridge Fiano 2024

14:21 Stu.

When I was tasting this there was a Mint and Panko crusted lamb rack presentation on TV, and I can't escape the green pea and herb freshness in this wine.

So, pea and snow pea, herbal cast, florals, white pepper. Suggestion of almond paste through the middle.

It's a bold expression, that works well. It leaves you feeling satiated, and yearning for more. Generous and persistent finish - go bugs in a light curried broth. 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd October
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.firstridge.com.au/

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2024 / Fiano / Mudgee

Sunday, 2 February 2025

Huntington Estate Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021

17:13 Stu.

I'd almost convinced myself I'd seen this before, nearly confusing it with the similarly named and liveried Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon (here).

Here the Cabernet Sauvignon dominant version is redolent of cool autumnal mornings, touch of earthy-headiness lingering, veering to graphite notes.

The palate a contrast to that, with a deep black fruited heart, of blackcurrant and damson. Hint of black tea, pepper, twist of licorice - a complex mix of elements jostling and jockeying for position.

Tannins at turns coarse, with a glossiness in tandem, moving through a finish of some length. Still at a youthful juncture - look to see these elements ease into each other with some additional time. 93+

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd January
Source: Sample
Price: $100
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2021 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Mudgee / Shiraz

Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Huntington Estate Dry Rosé 2024

10:25 Stu.

A drop positively brimming with sunshine and energy, of strawberry, raspberry and rose.

It is what it says on the bottle, dry - a mineral tinged edge to the wine and a spine of dazzling acidic energy. Dried herb presents itself and that edge of austerity yields to a broader, almost creamy aspect to the wine. Lovely Rosé - a welcome addition to any table. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 12th January
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13.36%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2024 / Mudgee / Rosé

Sunday, 18 August 2024

Huntington Estate Reserve Semillon 2022

16:11 Stu.

Meyer lemon, quince, a little waxy lanolin.

Lovely vibrant acidity, bursting forth on the immediate palate. Lemon sherbet, tangy, latterly lemon balm and browning lime.

That acid will serve this wine well over time, expecting to see it broaden in profile with time. 92

Tasted on: Friday 16th August
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 10.98%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

2022 / Mudgee / Semillon

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Huntington Estate Barrel Ferment Chardonnay 2022

17:07 Stu.

Barrel Ferment Chardonnay from Mudgee's Huntington Estate.

Hints of stonefruit in tandem with vanilla and something like a frangipane note. Fragrant, Fruity, an exotic allure.

Toast and bite on the palate, a textural swathe slicing it's way across the oral cavity. Balancing acidity, citrus and tangy. Lovely balance, to an overall attractive package. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st May
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.77%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

Follow me: https://www.vivino.com/users/stuart-ro

2022 / Chardonnay / Mudgee

Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

09:24 Stu.

I had the opportunity to re-appraise this at the Huntington Winemaker's Lunch (a great event if you get the chance - disclosure, I have been fortunate to be invited as a guest of the winery on occasion).

On that second tasting, it was reinforced how it is so a wine of depth, of dark black and red fruit sitting on a dense palate with firm tannins.

The Special Reserve is very much a denser and darker manifestation of Cabernet - at least on this showing - within the Huntington portfolio.

There's a richness too, almost veering toward something that in youth might be considered a balsamic edge. Deep and dense, as though to reflect the rich Mudgee soil, free of the artifice that can be afflicted through excessive oak.

The palate shows a freshness, a pleasant change of direction at odds to the initial depths that are explored across the palate. For all that, it's certainly assured of a life ahead of it. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2016 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Mudgee

Tuesday, 7 February 2023

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Grenache 2022

10:05 Stu.

Floral and berry lead Grenache on offer here, a little warmed earth beneath, in an attractive package clocking in at sub-14% alcohol.

A suppleness on entry, barely there tannin that talks to minimal extraction. It's polished and feels somewhat slick as it glides across the palate, layered as it flows through to the finish. Juicy berry derived flavours swell the wine's presence through the mid and final thirds. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2022 / grenache / Mudgee

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Robert Stein Dry Riesling 2022

08:30 Stu.

Mudgee Riesling from vines planted in 1976 - some pedigree. Indeed, such is the demand - and quality of - these Robert Stein Rieslings that they have recently undertaken a 2.5 hectare expansion of plantings.

As ever an expressive number , it's an aromatic riot of lemons and limes, with floral notes adding their presence.

Tangy, with an initial softer mango like note. It flattens out a bit from there, a steely and bracing acidity that hales over and draws the wine long across the palate. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd November
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.robertstein.com.au/

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2022 / Mudgee / riesling

Wednesday, 19 October 2022

Huntington Estate Dry Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

20:52 Stu.

I often just smell this wine and think of the town of my birth, for it evokes that quintessential summer dessert - and summer vibe - of strawberries and cream.

A bone dry Rosé, with a curl of berry sweetness licking it's way across the palate. A touch of phenolic presence and on a good length, it's something to grace any table this summer. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2022 / Mudgee / pinot noir / Rosé

Sunday, 7 November 2021

Huntington Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

16:36 Stu.

Has beautiful visual appeal, I'm sure it would entice on looks alone. It pours a pale dusky pink, the kind
seen on a Summer's fading sun.

It conveys a floral and confectioner's berry aroma, a sensation that flows onto the palate.

It's consistent in its presentation, with a bold profile. There's hints of red apple, strawberry, citrus and even veering to what seems a tropical bent to it. Summer personified. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 4th August
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 12.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2021 / Mudgee / pinot noir

Monday, 8 February 2021

Huntington Estate Tim Stevens Signature Shiraz 2017

18:01 Stu.

Alongside its Cabernet/Shiraz [link] counterpart, the Tim Stevens Signature Shiraz represents the upper echelon of the Huntington portfolio.

From the off it's rich and somewhat hedonistic. A deep, intense wine, yet it does so whilst letting fruit and region sing. Oak is present, yet a part, not the lead in this particular scene.

Milk chocolate and sage lead, segueing to a palate that shows intensity of blue and purple fruits.

Latent spice asserts a presence too, amidst this body of fruit and chocolate. Tannins are substantive, whilst this feels good to go it will only improve over mid-term. Drink to 2038 94

Tasted on: Sunday 31st January
Source: Sample
Price: $100
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2017 / Mudgee / Shiraz

Monday, 1 February 2021

Huntington Estate Merlot 2019

08:30 Stu.

Image to follow

"2019 has been characterised by intensely dry heat spells followed by short, heavy rainfall. We picked our
fruit very early to beat the heat and secured stunning, evenly ripened fruit with clean, restrained acids."

This 2019 has been released before the 2017 and 2018. Sitting in the spot within the portfolio where the Grenache normally would (2019 Grenache sold out, none made in 2020).

Initially bright perfume of cherry on initial pour, settles nicely into more familiar plum and typical black fruit profile.

The palate shows every inch of its early picking, light and bright with a tangy acid profile across the palate and through the finish.

A delicious lick of spice curls across the back palate, delivering length to boot. Do not underestimate its lower alcohol profile, the freshness makes this a marvellous supping wine for consumption in youth. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 9th January

Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2019 / Merlot / Mudgee

Saturday, 19 September 2020

Highgate Shiraz 2016

08:30 Stu.

Subtle hints of char, offsetting deep and dense plum and mulberry fruit.

Mudgee is known - rather, renowned - for its deep and flavoursome wines, this no exception. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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2016 / Mudgee / Shiraz

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Gartelmann Georg Petit Verdot 2016

08:30 Stu.

Often the bridesmaid, never the bride - except here, in this ripe and robust offering from Rylstone - an unofficial sub-region of Mudgee region.

Petit Verdot is often considered the 'bridesmaid' of what might be considered the Bordeaux varieties. Here it's presented as a stand alone single varietal, in a rich and ripe guise. Dark and vibrant fruit, hints of oak remnants, associated spice.

The fruit presence is what makes the wine stand out, for all its ripeness it's still in balance. Good wine 91.

Tasted on: Thursday 9th April
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 15.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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2106 / Mudgee / Petit Verdot

Sunday, 7 June 2020

Gartelmann Phillip Alexander Cabernet Merlot 2016

08:30 Stu.

Cabernet the principal player here, leading with its comely chocolate and juicy berry goodness. Enticing all who pass its way.

Mudgee produces some fine reds, this no exception - the fruit comes from Rylstone, an unofficial sub-region just a little way out of town - and is classically structured. Hints of brown spice flow through the finish. Good level of sustain and generosity. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 5th April
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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2016 / Cabernet / Merlot / Mudgee

Sunday, 31 May 2020

Huntington Estate Semillon Chardonnay 2019

16:30 Stu.

Stonefruit, melon, grapefruit citrus.

Zip and slide. Textural feel on entry with a racy acidity brimming along. Delivers length and flow. Feels quite short, but some of the rides can be like that.

For me, on a night with 77% humidity, sometimes that's exactly what you need. 89

Tasted on: Wednesday 19th February
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.4%
Closure: Sample
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

2019 / Chardonnay / Mudgee / Semillon

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