Way back in 2017 David Cumming of Define Wine Marketing kindly sent me some wines from Huntington Estate to try. What he didn’t know was I had tried these wines way back in the early 1980’s when Bob Roberts was crafting them. It was a joy to reacquaint myself with the wines and, I have to say, Tim Stevens has honoured the legacy passed on from Bob when he and Nicky took over around 2006.
Since that day in 2017, it has always been my wish to visit the Mudgee area primarily to visit the Huntington Estate Cellar Door and, this year, that wish became reality. As part of a road trip, we included their Cellar Door and I am so glad we did.
Upon walking in the door, there was a warmth from the wrap-around like counter that was like open arms welcoming you in (It may have had something to do with the wood heater burning in the corner that proved to be very attractive to my wife). We were greeted by Janet and at that point there were only two other small groups there. Janet was great, describing the wines with genuine passion and great knowledge coupled with a wicked sense of humour.
Well, in a matter of 30 minutes, the cellar door area was buzzing and, as much as Janet was doing a splendid job, help was needed. To the rescue came Maddie who kindly looked after us from that point on.
As much as I have been lucky to try most of the wines on the list, I was keen to have a look at them again, of course. All the whites still made an impression on me, as you’d expect, but I’d like to give a special shout out for the 2021, smile causing, Special Reserve Chardonnay. It is lovely drinking now and displayed everything expected to be long living too. Check out my thoughts about the white wines here
Although I was familiar with most of the reds, I noticed there were some new ones on the list that I was immediately attracted to. Two that I just have to mention are the 2019 Estate Shiraz and 2017 Estate Bin No.11 Cabernet Sauvignon both of which are already approachable and so damn drinkable! However, I can’t leave out the moreishly delicious 2022 Pinot Rose either while another to include in your tasting is the 2022 Nouveau.
We had a great time at the Huntington Estate Cellar Door and I got a sense that, for Janet and Maddie, it wasn’t about the wines making an impression, it was more about the wines making a connection with the visitor. Judging by the number of people that visited while we were there, and the number of bottles being carried out the door, the wines certainly connected with those who tried them. It is clearly a Cellar Door that is on most peoples ‘must visit’ list when in the area. Make sure you put it on your list too.
Words from a Wine Glass 