Orange’s Stockman’s Ridge wines has released wines from the cool reaches of the Orange Region. The new wines comprise the 2022 Stockman’s Ridge Primrosé Pinot Noir Chardonnay ($35) and 2017 Stockman’s Ridge Outlaw Chardonnay ($40).
Orange is rapidly forging a reputation for its Chardonnay, showing great fruit purity and natural acidity.
“As Orange has matured as a wine region, you can see the wines benefit from a few years in bottle,” says owner and vigneron Jonathan Hambrook.
“Over the years we have been mindful to slow down the release of our Chardonnay so that we can give it every opportunity to bloom and enable our customers to enjoy the region’s Chardonnay once it’s had time to settle and mature in the bottle. We are planning to have both a current vintage Chardonnay and mature Chardonnay within the portfolio in the future.”
“We grew this Chardonnay on the north-west slopes of the extinct volcano Mount Canobolas (Gaanha Bulla) at an elevation of 800 metres. In the winery the grapes were fermented in new French oak. Once bottled the wines were matured in the winery for several years prior to release.”
Stockman’s Ridge is one of Orange’s premier cellar door and event destinations. With a picturesque garden and vineyard, it is an idyllic setting for events. “We have recently built a new clear marquee that allows for guests to experience the full clear night sky of Orange as well as the vineyards and Mountain.
The newly released 2022 Stockman’s Ridge Primrosé Pinot Noir Chardonnay is named for Jonathan and Lisa’s daughter. It is a wine made for sparkling high teas, live music, and celebrations.
“The Primrose is known to be the first flower to bloom in spring. The named stems from the Latin word ‘primus’ meaning ‘first’ and symbolises renewal, optimism, and youth. This encapsulates our family and vineyard.
“Ten years ago, we moved to Orange from our initial vineyards near Bathurst. This has been a busy decade and has completely renewed our business and this sparkling wine celebrates this. The vineyards are maturing, and the growth of the region has encouraged us to plant new vines this year.
Made with a traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the new Primrosé was matured on lees for a short period, as the aim was to highlight the freshness and vibrancy of these cool climate varieties. “It is a fun and celebratory wine made with some of our best fruit.”
Pricing & distribution: The Stockman’s Ridge wines are distributed nationally by the winery and are available at www.stockmansridge.com.au.
- 2017 Stockman’s Ridge Outlaw Chardonnay (Orange Region) $40
- 2022 Stockman’s Ridge Primrosé Pinot Noir Chardonnay (Orange Region) $35
