The region's most outstanding wines were recognised at the annual Wine Show Dinner on Friday night, with Robert Stein awarded eight of the 20 trophies.
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And four of those were among the big six gongs.
Although, one that headed elsewhere was the Viticulturist of the Year award, which went to Craigmoor's Chris Densley. Although he was unable to attend, it was accepted by Patrick Auld. "Our success tonight with the [trophy winning] Chardonnay is part of the vineyard and Chris has played an important part in our wines in the production of the fruit for our winemakers to work with," he said.
Of the 286 entries into this year's Mudgee Wine Show - from 37 exhibitors - 30 gold medals were awarded, 48 silver and 128 bronze. For a hit-rate of 68 per cent.
"In the four years I've been involved in the show the massive lift in quality has been phenomenal. And to be hitting over 60 per cent in medal awards is testament to what has been going on in the region," chairman of the judges, Mike DeGaris, said.
The lead-up to the big evening for Robert Stein Wines, began with; nine gold medals; seven silver; nine bronze; 25 awards for the 26 entries. Upon accepting the award for 'Most Successful Exhibitor', Drew Stein said they'd been entering the Mudgee Wine Show for 33 years. And credited to a team effort.
"The old term is 'there's no I in team', and tonight we have two tables of Robert Stein Winery workers and all of the results tonight are about our team," he said.
As did Jacob Stein, who received the final award of the evening.
"It is an honour to be named Mudgee's Winemaker of the Year for the third consecutive year. While it's nice to have my name of the Trophy, it is more a reflection of the winemaking and vineyard team," he said.
"Lisa Bray and the cellar team deserve a special thanks, they have been instrumental in the continual improvement of quality in the winery over the last four years. Winning the Champion Wine of the Show is a rewarding achievement given the quality of wines in Mudgee at the moment."
Jacob Stein said it caps off a "surreal" year, following their success at the distinguished Sydney Royal Wine Show.
"Winning the award at the RAS was very special, but when it comes down to it, winning a regional award like this just as special. Because it's among friends, it's in our own region, and that's what matters most to us," he said.
The 2019 Mudgee Wine Show Trophy winners:
- Champion Wine - 2019 Robert Stein 'Half Dry' Riesling;
- Most Successful Exhibitor - Robert Stein Winery;
- Winemaker of the Year - Jacob Stein;
- Viticulturist of the Year - Chris Densley;
- Most Outstanding Red Wine - 2018 Burrundulla Shiraz;
- Most Outstanding White Wine - 2016 Robert Stein Riesling;
- Most Outstanding Sweet Wine - 2019 Robert Stein 'Half Dry' Riesling;
- Most Outstanding Fortified Wine - 2017 Huntington Estate Vintage Fortified Shiraz;
- The Gil Wahlquist Perpetual Trophy for the BestOrganic/Biodynamic/Preservative Free Wine - 2017 Lowe 'Block 5' Shiraz;
- The Dave Robertson Memorial Trophy for the Best Cabernet Sauvignon - 2017 Vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon;
- The Robert Stein Memorial Trophy For Best Shiraz - 2018 Burrundulla Shiraz;
- The Carlo Corino Trophy for the Best Red Wine (not Shiraz or Cabernet) - 2018 Skimstone Merlot;
- Bob Oatley Trophy for the Best Chardonnay - 2018 Craigmoor 'Artist Series' Chardonnay;
- Best Semillon - 2017 Robert Stein 'Aged Release' Semillon;
- Best White Wine (not Chardonnay or Semillon) - 2016 Robert Stein Riesling;
- Best Museum White Wine - 2009 Robert Stein Riesling;
- Best Museum Red Wine - 2011 Huntington Estate 'Basket Dried' Shiraz;
- Best Rose - 2019 Burrundulla Rose;
- Best Mudgee Classic Blend - 2018 Skimstone Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz.
