“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” I saw this quote recently (thank you American football coach, Bear Bryant) and I couldn’t help but like it.
In the world of wine, the same holds true. When a producer has pride in their vineyards, a winemaker shows class in their craft, and each bottle carries true character, the results speak for themselves. This year, First Ridge has let their wines do exactly that. Quietly, confidently, and with the kind of authenticity that doesn’t chase trophies or medals, yet somehow ends up collecting them anyway.
When you taste these wines, you too will realise the character, the pride, and the class in every sip. They are going to be popular so get in quick!
Region: Mudgee, NSW Source: Sample thanks kindly to First Ridge and Define Wine
2025 Fiano ($30.00)
Fresh, youthful, and inviting aromas of peaches, pears, and a splash of melon with a little lime-iness thrown in. The aromas do not prepare you for what is in store when you taste it. It’s great! I can’t put it any other way. It’s vibrant and lively, yet richly flavourful and beautifully textured. It has lovely balance between abundant tropical fruit flavours, refreshing minerally notes, and bright acidity on the delightfully attractive finish. I could easily go on and on about this wine. No wonder it took home a Gold Medal and the Trophy for Best White Italian Variety, 2025 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show.
2025 Vermentino ($28.00)
Lovely tropical aromas get things off to a great start, with a little herbal/grassy note. The palate follows through with youthfulness and brightness, showing a restrained vivacity that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s mainly citrus‑driven, but apple and pear notes add welcome texture and palate presence. As I tasted it, the flavour and texture kept building subtly but confidently then finishing with impressive length and clarity. It’s a beautifully balanced Vermentino, and a worthy companion to its award‑winning Fiano sibling. Mind you, this wine itself can proudly boast having won trophies at both the Mudgee Wine Show and the Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Awards.
Words from a Wine Glass 