Established in 1975 by Ian MacRae, this winery has gained a reputation for its white wines, rather unusually for a Mudgee winery. Ian was at the cellar door, and was happy to talk me through his high quality range. Production here is about 8000 cases.

1996 Fume Blanc
Fresh and clean, with a touch of oak. Good food wine with a bright character.

1997 Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh with typical varietal character. Lovely cut grass and cut green pepper character. Very Loire-like and very good.

1996 Chardonnay
Fermented in new American oak and left on the lees for 9 months. Really nice, with nicely integrated new oak, and nutty, smoky notes. Savoury and lean. Very good (I bought some).

1997 Semillon
This is the first vintage. Fresh and crisp with citrus fruit and a herby edge. Pleasant.

1999 Riesling
Lovely floral nose with citrus edge. This is a big, intense white wine with masses of citrus fruit on the palate and a touch of residual sugar, which fills out the mid palate. Very good (I bought some).

1999 Pinot Noir Rose
Nice orange/pink colour, with soft, cherry fruit. Very attractive with good acidity. Slightly herby, with soft fruit.

1999 Semillon/Sauvignon/Riesling
With about 20% botrytis this is luscious without being too fat or sweet. Caramel and apricot nose give way to a palate that is crisp with some citrus elements. Very good +

1997 Shiraz
Herby and peppery nose with a touch of earthiness on the palate. Although this has been in new American oak barrels for a year, this is hardly noticeable. It's savoury and dry, and after a while the tannic structure really begins to assert itself. Very good.

Cabernet Merlot 1996
Complex nose. Earthy, herby and rich on the palate with dry tannins. Earthy and rich; good.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon
Blackcurrant fruit and earthy character. Firm tannins. Rich and full with a touch of pepper. Very good.