Jacob Stein has continued to lift the profile of Riesling from the Mudgee wine region, with two new wines recently released. The new wines, 2015 Robert Stein Riesling ($25) and 2015 Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling ($40), have both received a number of awards.
The latest accolades continue the theme with Jacob Stein’s Riesling winemaking since returning to the family winery after a number of years making wine across Australia and the world.
In 2010 Jacob was named a finalist in The Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year Awards followed in 2011 being named the ‘International Up and Coming Riesling Winemaker’ at the Canberra International Riesling Challenge. In 2012 he was awarded the ‘Gourmet Traveller Young Winemaker of the Year’.
“It’s been a great few years,” commented Jacob. “There has been huge support for our winemaking, especially with Riesling. In the past few vintages we have been able to increase our Riesling intake, with the 2015 vintage including Riesling from the 43 year old Miramar vineyard in Mudgee along with our Estate vineyards.”
The use of mature vineyards from the region adds options in the final blending process. One of the components was fermented on skins with natural yeasts in order to add further complexity. The pressings were fermented in old, seasoned French Hogsheads, also adding another degree of interest and complexity to the final blend.
The Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling on the other hand was sourced entirely from the 39-year-old Robert Stein vineyard. The grapes were whole bunch pressed with 20 per cent fermented on skins with natural yeasts and matured in older French barrels. “It is a classical Riesling with a hint of sweetness and a finish of fresh natural acidity.”
“It’s an exciting time for NSW and Mudgee wines,” continued Jacob. “Support from sommeliers and consumers is growing, and there is genuine interest in what we are doing. The awards are encouraging and certainly help build awareness for the wines. We are receiving positive feedback about Mudgee’s Riesling. The wines are turning heads, as Mudgee is a region traditionally known as red wine country.
“Our vineyards sit at around 570 metres elevation which is a touch higher than Eden alley (460m) and Clare Valley (390m) ensuring bright fresh natural acidity to complement the intense varietal aromas and flavours.”
2015 Robert Stein Riesling $25.00
- Gold Medal, 2015 NSW Wine Awards 95/100
- Gold Medal, Class 1, 2015 NSW Small Winemakers’ Wine Show
29015 Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling $40.00
- Trophy, ‘Champion Wine of the Show’ 2015 Mudgee Wine Show
- Trophy, ‘Most Outstanding White Wine of Show’, 2015 Mudgee Wine Show
- Trophy, ‘Most Outstanding Sweet White Wine of Show’, 2015 Mudgee Wine Show
- Gold Medal, Class 15, 2015 Mudgee Wine Show