With new livery, Stockman’s Ridge wines have added two new wines to its range. These comprise the 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature Series’ Cabernet Franc ($45) and 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($30).
The two new wines continue Stockman’s Ridge evolving winemaking, with a focus on these Bordeaux red varieties. Owner and vigneron Jonathan Hambrook has a love for these varieties born from his extensive travels through France.
“There has been a resurgence of Cabernet Franc in Orange,” says Hambrook. “It is a variety that blends beautifully with the likes of Merlot, whilst comfortably standing on its own as a medium bodied wine with fantastic structure, and beautiful herbaceous aromas.
“Orange’s cool climate allows us to produce a wine like we have in 2022. The vintage was very cool, and one of the latest on record. Colour, tannins and aromas were fantastic. The long growing season and extended hang time on the vine meant there was fabulous physiological ripeness without excessive alcohols this year.”
The 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature Series’ Cabernet Franc was left on skins for 11 days to optimise the natural colour, flavour and tannin. The wine was then matured in ‘D&J Selection’ Barrels (14 percent new) for 18 months prior to release.
Cabernet Sauvignon is widely planted in Orange, being one of the establishment varieties in the region. The longer ripening due to the cool climate creates Cabernets with elegance, structure and longevity with a capacity to develop great complexity with bottle ageing.
“We made the 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Cabernet Sauvignon as a wine that is approachable upon release; a wine with that highlights the varietal characteristics, with finesse and elegance.”
The Cabernet Sauvignon had 18 days on skins prior to 17 months maturation in seasoned ’Saint Martin Grand Reserve Medium’ oak barrels. The final blend included a small component of Cabernet Franc to add further complexity and lift.
Pricing & distribution: The Stockman’s Ridge wines are distributed nationally by the winery and are available at www.stockmansridge.com.au.
- 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature Range’ Cabernet Franc (Orange Region) $45
- 2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Cabernet Sauvignon (Orange Region) $30
For further information, interviews and images please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications: 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
Jonathan Hambrook at Stockman’s Ridge: 02 6365 6212 or enquiry@stockmansridge.com.au
Stockman’s Ridge was established in 2002 when Jonathan Hambrook left behind the surf and sand of Sydney’s beaches and stepped toward his dream of working the land. He purchased land 20 km north of Bathurst and single handedly planted Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Savagnin. In 2012 he purchased land in Orange and planted Pinot Noir, Grüner Veltliner, Shiraz, Primitivo, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2023 Stockman’s Ridge was shortlisted for the Young Gun of Wine ‘Vineyard of the Year’ Award. The wines are made together with Will Rikard-Bell.