Nostalgia for the '90s is running high. It's not hard to see why. The Cold War was over but 9/11 hadn't yet happened. Rapid technological innovation promised a bright and magical future, but the reality hadn't yet hit us - it was before smartphones sucked the life out of us all, and 24/7 news cycles and social media cooked democracy. It was an era of optimism, and collective, physical, analogue experiences. It was also a golden time for Huntington.
THE PEOPLE
Bob and Wendy Roberts and their adult children Michael and Susie.
In 1993, Bob handed the winemaking reins over to his daughter Susie. In addition to growing up in the winery, she studied Ag Science at Sydney Uni (receiving the University Medal), then Wine Science at Charles Sturt. Michael was responsible for Sales & Marketing.
A young Helen Cox joined at the end of the decade, in 1999.
ACCLAIM FOR THE WINES
“Huntington – one of Australia’s best small wineries.” Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald.
“Huntington the best (though unknown outside Australia).” Hugh Johnson / Jancis Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine.
“Rated absolutely tops for both quality and value. One of the most impressive family operations in Australia.”
James Halliday, Wine and Wineries of NSW
“The Huntington Estate marque is one of real quality… at its best can stand up to any in Australia.” Len Evans, Complete Book of Australian Wine.
NSW Wine of the Year in 1998 for the 1994 Special Reserve Shiraz.
1999 Graham Gregory Trophy for outstanding contribution to the NSW wine industry.
5 Stars from Halliday.
THE VINEYARD
At its peak, there were 47 hectares under vine. Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillon. A small block of Grenache was planted.
THE WINES
Multiple Bin Numbers from each vintage were released – up to 8 per variety.
The new Special Reserve wines were denoted by a small black sticker over the label.
WINE TASTING & SALES
These were simpler times!
A typewritten newsletter was sent out quarterly with news, views and the wines on offer.
Customers would telephone the office to place an order, we'd send it out and they would pop a cheque in the mail. Or order forms were completed and posted or faxed
Before RSA laws were tightened, Cellar Door tastings were "Help yourself"! Bottles of wine would be open on a large table, glasses ready for use, and you were free to browse, topping yourself up with the ones you liked the best before.
THE HUNTINGTON ESTATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Following years of concerts in the winery, inspired by the great festivals of Europe, the Huntington Estate Music Festival began in 1989, and found its feet in the '90s.
A young Richard Tognetti (married at the time to Susie Roberts) and the ACO provided the music.
Lamb roasted whole on a spit was stuffed with rice and served with local asparagus.
In the 1990s, the festival was the Mudgee's flagship event. It was impossible to get tickets (phone mayhem)
Guest star Yvonne Kenny said "I'd rather perform at Huntington Estate than anywhere else...".
THE NEIGHBOURS
Tim Stevens bought a dilapidated vineyard next door to Huntington, fresh out of Canberra with a dream and fire in his belly.
He was inspired to make great wine like Huntington, and was privileged to be mentored by Bob Roberts as he learnt his craft.
