By Christine Salins.
Charles Simons
Mayfield Vineyard is not only one of the most picturesque vineyards in the Orange Region, it’s also a site where history is palpable. It’s apparent the minute you set eyes on the beautiful cellar door, located in a 100-year-old schoolhouse overlooking a lake and vines.
Originally home to the Wiradjuri people, the land became one of the most significant rural land holdings in colonial NSW.
In 1813, explorer William Charles Wentworth was one of the first Europeans to cross the Blue Mountains. He was subsequently granted the property as a thank-you from the Governor of NSW.
Mayfield later passed into the hands of Thomas Icely before being sold to William Tom, who discovered the first payable gold in Australia at nearby Ophir in 1851.
The property grew and prospered under various custodians who used it for grazing cattle and sheep, breeding horses, and educating the children of Scottish farm workers.
In 1998, the property was bought by the Thomas family who planted the vineyard that exists today.
In 2021, Mayfield was acquired by the Eastham family who later acquired the adjoining vineyard, reuniting the original Mayfield property. Charles Simons, previously the viticulturalist at Printhie Wines, is overseeing the vineyard and winemaking operation.
Driven by a passion for sustainability and innovative grape-growing practices, Simons has spent a considerable amount of time reinvigorating the vineyard and is justly proud of their latest releases, including the three wines featured here.
A sparkling wine, Rosé and Cabernet blend are in the pipeline. The 2022 ‘Five Rows’ Rosé was awarded the trophy for Best Rosé at this year’s Orange Region Wine Show.
Visitors to the cellar door can enjoy cheeseboards with their tastings, and for those who want to stay on, there are several beautifully appointed cottages as well as the main homestead, built in 1909, which can sleep groups of up to 14.
Mayfield 2021 ‘Single Vineyard’ Chardonnay, $34: Beautifully balanced with a lovely purity of fruit and judicious subtle oak (it was matured for seven months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak). Enticing pear, melon and stonefruit notes with a hint of creaminess. Grown at 900 metres and harvested in the cool of the night, a wonderful example of cool-climate Chardonnay in all its glory.
Mayfield 2022 ‘Backyard’ Riesling, $34: A cool vintage and longer than usual growing season has paid off in beautiful ripeness without the alcohol. Owner John Eastham reckons this is one of the best Riesling sites in the region – at an elevation of 925 metres, it’s basically in his backyard as it backs onto his house block. A gold medal winner at the Orange Region Wine Show, it is very aromatic with lively citrus and musk notes, and a hint of spice.
Mayfield 2022 ‘Sophie’s Godmother’ Sauvignon Blanc, $28: From the same cool vintage but a slightly lower elevation, vibrant and fresh with an appealing softness and none of the overt grassiness that a lot of Sav Blancs display.
