Judging has wrapped up for the Mudgee Wine Show, with the local drops demonstrating a positive direction for the future for the region along with impressive longevity.
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The 47th consecutive year of the event saw 285 entries from 38 exhibitors. Which were pored over by three external judges; chairman Mike DeGaris, well-known consultant and long term judge; Jeff Byrne, former winemaker for Agnew Wines in the Hunter Valley, who's recently relocated to Orange; Will Figueira, wine buyer for Wine Selectors; alongside two local associates, Paul Martung of Lowe Wines and Jenna Athey of Wine Works.
"Certainly the younger vintages have all looked really good. And Mudgee has had a pretty tough time over the last four/five years, with tough vintages through the drought or bad weather," Mr DeGaris said. "We've done the Museum Classes - which are greater than seven years of age, with some going back to 2006 - and they were quite smart. So it shows that Mudgee is a region that's got longevity.
"I've been doing this show for four years and the big thing that's come through in that time has been the meteoric rise of Riesling, which has been spectacular."
The younger vintages have all looked really good. And Mudgee has had a pretty tough time over the last four/five years.
- Mike DeGaris, chief judge
Wine Show chair Jacob Stein said that the committee, especially Tim White and Julie Heslop, has been working hard in recent weeks to organise the event - all of which is voluntary, in the interests of showcases what the region has to offer.
The performance of the younger vintages serves as an apt metaphor for the show heading into the future, with some "fresh blood" stepping up to be a part.
"The Mudgee Wine Show is an important benchmarking event for the local wine industry," Jacob said. "There's been a good spread of quality among different varieties and we're on track to be slightly higher quality than the last two years. Which is a good sign of where Mudgee wine is heading at the moment.
"And it's good to see so much of the local industry participating in the show, especially the younger generation supporting and helping with stewarding."
Mudgee's best wines will be celebrated at the Wine Show Trophy Dinner next Friday evening (September 13) at Putta Bucca House, and matched with dishes by the region renowned chefs.