2020 Hunter Valley Semillon

This wine is a one-off blend from the two best wines of the vintage, HVD “Signpost” and Belford. These two blocks were planted in 1908 and 1933 respectively, and are two of the iconic Semillon vineyards of the world. Both are dry grown and planted on sandy soils next to old creek beds, ideal for high quality Semillon.

In 2020, the Hunter Valley experienced its fourth consecutive year of drought conditions. Yields were down by approximately 50-75% in these two blocks. The fruit however was in optimal condition when it was handpicked in the last days of January.

Both blocks were picked separately and made in a similar fashion. Handpicked and then sorted by hand in the vineyard. From there, the fruit was lightly pressed before fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. After the wines were “cleaned up” post-fermentation, they were blended in May 2020 and then matured in tank for a further 2 months before bottling in July 2020.

Bright, attractive green colour, the nose shows intense citrus characters. The palate is expansive and powerful, hallmarks of a warmer vintage. Wonderful length and flavour with the pedigree in the vineyards showing through. A wine that defies the challenging vintage.

We trust you will enjoy this wine, one that is drinking superbly on release and is now another chapter in our 162 year history.