3 years on from its release, this initially impenetrable and coiled wine has emerged and has started to display the elegence expected of high-quality Semillon. But this is uniquely Barossian, don’t mistake it for Hunter Valley. It is stylistically distinct, and for me, the fruit intensity and acidity levels are markedly different between both regions. Made from arguably the oldest vines in the world planted in the 1850s.
AUD$19 from Cloudwine. Clear pale yellow with a gold tinge. Nose of med intensity with delictae notes of lemon, lime, white grapefruit and young diced parsley leaf. Dry, med-bodied white wine with medium+ acidity. Only 9.5% alc, this makes for mellow lingering flavours of orange and lemon that envelop the mouth, so it it brilliant to be paired with a cold prawn salad with rocket leaves, slithers of capsicum and a touch of sesame oil. On its own, the finish is rather placid though, rather chalky and requiring a bit more oomph and punch. Drink now – 2016. Will this age as brilliantly as Hunter Valley Semillons? I honestly don’t know, and I don’t think there will be much left year from now since it’s delicious enough to drink up over the next few summer dinners. 90/100.
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