SENSATIONAL VINTAGE – LIMITED QUANTITIES
Authenticity!
‘She has never deviated from the pursuit of excellence in the vineyard and winery.’
James Halliday Halliday Wine Companion 2024
Authenticity: If there’s one word that sums up Mount Horrocks Wines, this is it.
Why? Australian Certified Organic (ACO) gives confirmation that the highest standards have been set, by awarding A-grade organic and biodynamic certification to its vineyards and wine processing. James Halliday acknowledges the quality of Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling by its inclusion in his last two ‘Top 100 Wines’. However, these affirmations are just part of the story – they tell little of how Mount Horrocks Wines got to be acknowledged for extraordinary consistency of quality across its seven-wine range.
It’s 31 years since Stephanie took control of a tiny wine business which then had no cellar door and no vineyards. Relying on private growers, as Stephanie did at the start, can work well. As with all outsourcing, the key is control. Stephanie soon realised that to achieve her standard of quality and consistency, she had to plant her own vines. Now, there are no third parties: she has full control – growing, winemaking, bottling.
As Stephanie says: ‘Mount Horrocks is a tiny operation. I can handle it comfortably. I have no wish to expand. Instead, I’m focused on making better wine. There’s also a transparency in the way I work, including independent verification of my standards. To continue to enjoy my work, to focus on improving wine quality, to maintain transparency and authenticity – that’s my aim. That can only be achieved if I keep production tiny.’
Is it worth it? One taste of these wines is all it takes.
2023 MOUNT HORROCKS WATERVALE RIESLING
620 cases produced
This is 100% pure expression of single site riesling. Lime aromatics.
Tightly coiled, concentrated lemon-lime fruit, slate-like minerality and
vibrant acidity. Fabulous lively texture and great length and structure. A completely beguiling wine that looks fabulous now and will age brilliantly for 15 years: without question a classic.
2023 MOUNT HORROCKS CLARE VALLEY CORDON CUT (375ml)
330 cases produced
A labour of love, this is the ultimate in reliance on weather to concentrate riesling grapes on the vine. Engaging, fragrant spring floral aromas, sweet lime and hints of spice. Whilst very sweet and luscious, with its orange and lime zest riesling intensity, this has bright acidity and citrus tang to keep it fresh and lively. It’s drinking beautifully, irresistable even, and will age for a good decade.
2023 MOUNT HORROCKS ROSÉ
140 cases produced
Inspired by flinty dry French rosés, this is eminently drinkable and very satisfying. Delicate, vibrant pink. Enticing summer red berries – think strawberry and cranberry, within a crisp citrus framework that delivers a refreshing, appealing, light but flavoursome rose of great character and depth. Enjoy now to late 2025.
2023 MOUNT HORROCKS NERO D’AVOLA
230 cases produced
Stephanie’s love affair with this Sicilian grape began when she first tasted nero d’avola wines in 2003 in Italy. Bright plum-purple with a veritable cornucopia of red fruits and spice on the nose. Medium-bodied, yet generously flavoured, this delicious Sicilian variety has found an ideal home at Mount Horrocks. Ripe cherry and raspberry fruit combine with savoury-edged spice and gentle tannins. Drinking beautifully upon release it will also age for 10 years.
