2022 Robert Stein Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mudgee

40% matured in new French and American hogsheads, the remaining 60% for 15 months. Here we see a style of bold red with real intention to make the most of its natural character in the region in which it's grown. Full of blackberries, cherries and sweet fig paste. A lick of vanilla and cola oak that holds the ripeness of fruit very well. It's jam packed with indulgence and full of flavour. Drink 2024 to 2030.

94 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, February 2025

Medium-full colour, showing some development; there are mulchy, smoky/briary and squished mulberry aromas, the palate soft and easy, lacking brightness but seems set for early drinking. An unusual style of cabernet, which has its own individualistic charm. Really nice ready drinkability. 

91 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, January 2026

Robert Stein is one of Mudgee's most respected family wineries, established in 1976 by Robert and Lorna Stein. The now up to fifty-year-old vineyards produce fruit of natural freshness and regional character and are in the capable hands of Robert and Lorna’s grandson Jacob.

The Reserve wines are produced from the original 1976 Wallenstein vineyard, with selected parcels often picked from the older blocks. Naturally fermented, they display the rich, complex flavours that Mudgee can offer at its best.

2022 was a challenging season for Mudgee due to heavy rainfalls, with some vineyards also sustaining hail damage. It was another year where those with good drainage on the slopes around the town fared much better than those on the flat. Despite the low yields, many of the premium wines are of high quality and with good natural acidity.

The fruit for this wine was handpicked and ten percent left as whole bunches. The fruit was then allowed three days cold soaking before 14 days fermentation on skins in small open fermenters with regular gentle hand plunging at intervals. This was followed with maturation for 18 months in new and seasoned oak hogsheads.

The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a great expression of traditional Mudgee red wines. A deep garnet red, the nose immediately reveals classic Cabernet aromas in the riper spectrum with ripe dark berries and figs, framed by spice and vanilla from oak. Full-bodied, rich and complex on the palate, with notes of mint, spice and black cherry.

Open now for dinner on the weekend, or cellar for a couple of years if you prefer a more mellow Cabernet. This would be good company for Beef Wellington or grilled king oyster mushrooms glazed with miso and butter.