Robert Stein Wines’ 40th anniversary celebrations continue with the release of two new wines, the 2014 Robert Stein ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay ($40) and the 2015 Robert Stein Semillon ($25).
Mudgee has a long history with Chardonnay, being the first region to release wine labelled under this variety. The Chardonnay clone of Mudgee is considered a descendant of the Chardonnay introduced in 1832 by Robert Busby.
The latest Robert Stein ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay was made from vines that comprise Robert Stein’s original Chardonnay vineyard, planted in 1976.
“We have been making Chardonnay for close to 30 years now,” explained winemaker Jacob Stein. “It is a variety that is well suited to the various climes of Australia. In Mudgee we aim for a modern style with citrus and stone fruit notes complemented by a creamy texture and good acidity.
“The optimal growing conditions of 2014 resulted in a cracking vintage. We fermented the Chardonnay juice with natural yeasts in French oak hogsheads, 50 per cent of which were new. A small component underwent malolactic fermentation for added complexity and softness. The wine was then matured for nine months with varying levels of lees contact.
The 2015 Robert Stein Semillon follows Jacob’s winemaking philosophy of making modern styles of these classic varieties. The 2015 vintage Semillon was crushed and de-stemmed into the press.
“Mudgee Semillons are approachable upon release with the lemony acid well balanced with the intense flavours and mineral drive. This is a wine that will grow and evolve in the bottle over the next decade, no doubt tasting beautifully for our 50th.”
With a vinous history dating back to 1858, Mudgee can lay claim to being one of the oldest regions in Australia.
In recent times the quality of the wines has leapt forward, with a number of proactive winemakers leading the movement from both a winemaking and marketing front. Along with their traditional red varieties, Chardonnay, Semillon and Riesling are gaining traction; increasing in quality and attracting a strong consumer following.