I don’t often receive responses or feedback about my reviews, good or bad, but when I do, it means a great deal. So I’d like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation to Huntington Estate.

They’ve been incredibly kind with their feedback, and I find myself genuinely humbled. It reminds me why I write these notes in the first place, not to impress (far from it), but to honour the craft, the people behind the wine, and the joy they bring not just to me, but to their loyal customers.

This time, amongst others, they sent me three reds to review. Each one carries its own voice, its own place, and its own sense of belonging to the Mudgee region. From the fresh-faced Nouveau that opens the show with a smile, to the quietly confident Grenache, and onto the juicy, very moreish Shiraz Cabernet, these wines speak of Mudgee, of intent, and of individuality.

Here’s what I found in the glass.

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

2024 Estate Nouveau ($34)

Hello Nouveau! This has fresh, fruitful and a little spicy aromas that welcomingly lives up to the meaning of Nouveau with ease and is the perfect opening act to the main show. Ripe red fruits to the fore with a nice spicey layer and an earthiness like character in there too gives it a grounding to the excitement it offers. Interestingly, the tannins still have a say but it’s the lovely fruit that brings them back into line and keeps everything in balance. If you live in the warmer climes as I do, you could chill this just a little but not to the point of drowning out the freshness it exudes. It deserves your attention.

2024 Estate Grenache ($34)

“I’m not the kind of person who tries to be cool or trendy, I’m definitely an individual,” said Leonardo DiCaprio. I mention this because Grenache is back in fashion in the more ‘Grenache’ parts of Australia. But this particular wine? It’s not chasing trends. It’s doing its own thing, and good on it. Bright red fruits lead the way, joined by a touch of spice and an earthy backbone that lends character and charm. It’s not perfectly poised just yet, a little warmth creeps in, nudging the balance but it’s a wine still finding its feet, and there’s no shame in that. It’s not trying to be McLaren Vale or Barossa. It’s quietly confident in being Mudgee, and it succeeds at being just that. And that’s more than enough.

2022 Estate Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon ($34)

Considering the blend, I found the colour to be very intriguing. It had a translucent yet pretty redness which was more of a prompt to get in and taste the wine. But, me being me, I had to dive my nose in and so glad I did. Cherry, red currants, a little oak poking through, a licoricey-ness too and delicate spice. The best way for me to describe the palate is, juicy and moreish! (exclamation mark intended) A cacophony of red and black fruits combine to provide a smile prompting sensation while a little peppery note adds a touch of savouriness with a slight herbal note completing the wine. The tannins are obvious and a little drying but these wines a built to last so this is not unexpected as it finishes delightfully long.