George Burns, the cigar-smoking American entertainer who passed away at 100 years of age, is quoted as saying, “You can’t help getting older but you don’t have to get old.” I realise this was generally meant for people but, it is relevant when it comes to other things too. Depending on many factors, when it comes to wine production, I think this is also pertinent to wine and, to break it down even further, red wine.

A bottle of Huntington Estate red wine gets older in the ‘number of years since vintage’ but the contents has historically had the structure to not get old at the same pace. Now, I’m not saying they will live as long as Mr Burns did but they have proven that, you don’t have to get old just because you are getting older. Here is another good example, well crafted by Tim Stevens at Huntington Estate.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $34    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

This is a very good Mudgee Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty on offer both on the nose and palate. It is generous and rich while maintaining a slightly better than medium bodied palate feel. Black fruits take centre stage with nice support coming courtesy of some plummy notes, smooth dark chocolate and slightly drying tannins with just the slightest hint of oak showing itself on a pretty good finish. As is well known, Huntington Estate Cabernets age very well, however, this one, at 6 years of age is drinking very well now. The great price of this wine allows for both options to be exercised.