LOCAL winemakers John and Stuart Hordern are toasting double success following the recent 2017 Pier One NSW Wine Awards at Pier One, Darling Harbour.
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Mr Hordern, from Muswellbrook’s Hunter Wine Services, took home the trophy for best young Sauvignon Blanc while his son, at Brokenwood Wines in Pokolbin, snared the best young Chardonnay crown.
The family’s Highland Heritage Estate 2016 Fume Blanc scored an impressive 96, with the judges stating “overall a good class with good variation of styles including barrel fermented wines. Top wines show diversity of styles with balance and complexity. A lot of wines had a high amount of residual sugar”.
The younger Hordern’s Brokenwood Wines 2016 Edge Vineyard Chardonnay also claimed gold, thanks to a score of 97.
“Chardonnay classes are always a pleasure to judge. There was a great diversity of style with plenty of drinking enjoyment apparent. The top wines show elegance, fruit purity and fine precise lines which provide beautiful drinking,” deemed the judges.
Mr Hordern admitted the award was “gratifying”.
“We’ve been working on it [2016 Fume Blanc] the past few years,” he said.
“It’s a bit dissimilar to others – and much more elegant.
“But, I’ll admit, it is encouraging [to win] when you think outside the square.
“We do some good things here.
“Plus, we’re dealing with different elements in this region – from soil to vines, fruit to climate.
“Even time, like three months, can make a difference.
“We’ve won a few medals at the Hunter Valley Wine Show in the past, however that’s not why we do this.”