2021 Robert Stein Reserve Shiraz, Mudgee

Red cherries, fig heart and plum. Kalamata olive, thyme and rosemary. Savoury bitter herbs like cassia and cured meats. Ironstone soils, wood ear mushroom and cajun spice. A touch of soured cherries and orange oil on the finish. Persistent acidity and dusty fine tannins. The wine shows restraint and an understanding of the modern shiraz style with a nod to the pedigree of old vines.

95 points Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

Robert Stein Reserve Shiraz from Mudgee is a bold and finely structured red wine that captures the richness and depth that the region’s high elevation and warm days are capable of producing. Crafted by Jacob Stein, one of Australia's most talented young winemakers, this Reserve Shiraz shows a serious side of Mudgee with intensity, complexity, and the ability to age gracefully.

The fruit for the Reserve Shiraz comes from low yielding vines grown on gravelly, clay loam soils that sit above limestone deposits. The vineyard’s altitude, sitting around 500 metres, helps maintain freshness and acidity even in warmer seasons, giving the wine structure and balance to match its natural power. The Stein family, who have been part of Mudgee’s agricultural landscape for generations, farm the vineyards sustainably with a strong focus on soil health and vine balance.

In the winery, Jacob Stein takes a traditional approach to this Reserve wine. Fermentation occurs in small open top fermenters with regular hand plunging to extract fine tannins and vibrant fruit character. The wine is then matured in a selection of new and seasoned French oak barrels for up to 18 months, building complexity and polish without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

In the glass, Robert Stein Reserve Shiraz shows deep aromas of blackberry, dark plum, pepper, clove, and a touch of chocolate. The palate is full bodied and powerful yet poised, with ripe dark fruits wrapped around fine grained tannins and a savoury, spicy finish. The oak integration is seamless, supporting the wine’s natural richness while adding elegance and definition.

This Reserve Shiraz pairs beautifully with slow cooked lamb shoulder, grilled ribeye, or a rich mushroom and lentil stew. It also has the structure to reward careful cellaring over the next ten to fifteen years.