Mudgee wine’s all stars
BY DARREN SNYDER

Not only for the first time in history does Mudgee have three five-star wineries but the region also has its first five-star woman winemaker.
A 2009 Pinot Grigio made by Juila Conchie from di Lusso Estate scored a rating of 94 in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion and the winemaker said she hopes the region continues to grow quality wine.

“This shows a five-star winery in Mudgee is really achievable,” she said.

“I think this time there was the biggest input for judging from wineries in this region which is a great achievement.”

The winery, which specialises in Italian varietals, was also mentioned amongst Halliday’s Best of the Best sweet wines with its 2006 Passito.

The winemaker joins peers Jacob Stein from Robert Stein Vineyard and James Manners and Trent Nankivell from Robert Oatley Vinyards in the five-star category.

Mr Manners said Mudgee was in a unique position with wine makers able to specialise in different varieties.

“Viticulturally Mudgee is getting together and focusing on quality as a region which is positive,” he said.

“With a higher altitude than most wineries we have a unique region and that be can be seen with the variety of wines that were judged.

Mr Manners also said with such a focus on quality in the region he thinks it is possible for more five-star wineries.

“Hopefully we can all rise with the tide,” he said.

The Robert Oatley Vineyards’ highest rating Mudgee wine was a 2009 Chardonnay with 93 points. The Chardonnay is about to be released and the winery said it was important Mr Halliday recognised the wine for its significance in Mudgee.

“We’re really pleased to have been elevated to five stars and be counted among the top 15 per cent of wineries listed in the Companion,” media spokesperson Darren Jahn said.

“Importantly, he [Halliday] reognises the quality of Mudgee Chardonnay – a wine with a great history here and with so much potential too.

“Given that so many people are turning back to Chardonnay from Sauvignon Blanc, we hope this means they’ll turn to Mudgee Chardonnay.”

Robert Stein Vineyard’s highest rating wine was a 2009 Riesling with 95 points.

Mr Stein said with such a young group of winemakers in the region working together, it will be possible for wineries to remain at five-star quality.

Mudgee Guardian, Thursday, August 12, 2010