The Mudgee region has been growing grapes for around 160 years. In the 1850s, pioneers such as Adam Roth established vines and created the foundation that is evident today.
When Mudgee introduced their certified Appellation Control 40 years ago the reaction was mixed. However, this foresight from a committed band of local winemakers is now an underlying strength of Australia’s regional winemaking.
The current crop of winegrowers continue to build upon the work of their earlier peers and are succeeding in reinvigorating the region. The inspirations and dreams of the founding vignerons are coming to fruition with the new wines being produced.
Whilst Mudgee is home to broad range of grape varieties that respond well to the climate, Cabernet Sauvignon is a mainstay. It is a variety that has consistently produced wine of great acclaim, longevity and concentration.
Six examples of Mudgee Cabernet Sauvignon that express the quality and versatility of Mudgee, from well-established producers, to new emerging winegrowers, comprise:
2015 LMB Cabernet Sauvignon $25
Lisa Bray has been making wine in Mudgee since 2004. With vintages in Germany, New Zealand, Turkey and Hunter Valley, Lisa is currently making wine with Robert Stein Wines. Her LMB range is a small project, producing tiny batches of wine from carefully selected parcels of fruit. Hand-picked, hand plunged and basket pressed, this Cabernet Sauvignon is testament to the exciting future of Mudgee winemaking.
2017 Robert Stein Cabernet Sauvignon $25
Winemaker Jacob Stein has been making wine in Mudgee for ten years. He has had been one of the region’s most celebrated young winemakers and, with his pragmatic and insightful understanding of how to coax the best from the region, has had an acute impact on Mudgee.
2016 Guneemooroo Cabernet Sauvignon (organic) $32
Guneemooroo is a new brand, established with old vines. Planted in 1983, the newly released organic Guneemooroo Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded the Top Gold Medal at the 2017 Mudgee Wine Show. New wines from old vines is an exciting feature of Mudgee, with Cabernet Sauvignon continuing to showcase the quality of the region.
2014 Huntington Estate ‘Special Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon $45
In Huntington Estate’s 50thyear, it is apt that their Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be the winery’s flag-bearer. The grapes for this wine were harvested from Block 9 (planted in the early 1970s) at 13.2 Baumé, cold-soaked for three days to bring out the fruit; fermented on skins for ten days in an oak fermenter followed by 18 months in 40 per cent new French oak barriques.
2016 Naked Lady Cabernet Sauvignon $25
Following on the success of winning the Mudgee Wine Show Trophy for the Best Cabernet with the 2015 vintage, Naked Lady Wines is developing a reputation for this variety. Pure, varietal and generous, this Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Rylstone sub region of Mudgee which sits at an elevation of 600 metres, slightly higher than the Mudgee valley.
2016 Vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon (organic) $30
Established in 1994, Vinifera is owned by Tony and Debbie McKendry. The 12 hectare organic vineyard comprises Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha alongside the Cabernet Sauvignon.
These Cabernet Sauvignons, along with all the wines of Mudgee, will be on show during the 40th annual Mudgee Wine & Food Festival held in the region during September.
Further information on Mudgee and its upcoming events can be found at visitmudgeeregion.com.au