I visit this stylish and tasteful cellar door of this Hunter estate every time I am in the valley. There is always a lovely surprise that awaits me here. This time I found this delicious and outstanding Semillon.
I also tasted the absolutely superb 2002 Shiraz, and the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc that was pleasant but lighter than the excellent 2003 tasted last year. The very well made and varietal 2002 Merlot from Orange tasted pretty good but the 2002 Hunter Chardonnay appeared average. The 2003 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay had some green stalky characters that I didnÂ’t like at all. The highlight of this visit was most definitely this new release Semillon.
Colour bright clear with some hay. Very fragrant lemony nose with white stone fruits. Flowery, attractive and inviting. After a swirl, asparagus aromas surface. On the palate, fresh and quite full. The ripe lemon theme continues. Biting and crisp acid on the very long finish. A classy and pristine Hunter Valley Semillon with a long and bright future. Bottled under high quality cork, it can be drunk now with seafood. (ThatÂ’s what I did). I believe with cellaring this wine will gain more weight and complexity. The finish is a mile long. Superbly made, it is a very clean and beautiful example of a Hunter Valley Semillon. Well worth the AU $26 asking price.
Cheers,
Attila
Tasted: January 2005