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A complex and tightly wound white that opens beautifully with a little air or decanting. The palate is layered and textural, showing white peach, kiwi, and nashi pear alongside spice, minerality, and a subtle savoury depth. Partial barrel fermentation and bâtonnage lend a gentle creaminess and a fine, grainy line of tannin to the finish. A sophisticated, food-friendly wine — superb with seafood.
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Vineyards mostly in the Mount View sub-region of the Hunter Valley, and all at 130-180m above sea level, so a little cooler than is typical. The extreme heat of the Hunter is avoided and wines of elegance and fruit clarity can be produced. Additional high quality vineyards in Hilltops, Orange and Wrattonbully.
Low yields, generally between 1 and 2.5 tonnes per acre. A series of exceptional single vineyard sites, including Dairy Hill, Briar Hill and Red Hill. Vines at up to 45 years of age.
Quality winemakers: Gwyn Olsen (now winemaker for Henschke was senior winemaker until 2022) and Andrew Duff, a former Len Evans Scholar, is the current winemaker.
This week I am sipping on a Semillon from First Creek in the Hunter Valley. Semillon is a thing of beauty really. Drunk young it's fresh with juicy acidity, apple, pear, and loads of bright citrus notes. Kept in the cellar and it will reward you in 5, 10, and 20 years. As it develops it gets (I think) a little grassy, the acidity is less prominent and notes of honey start to form. Pick this up from winedirect.com.au at a bargain of $22 a bottle and the only thing you will complain about is having not bought 6-12 bottles!
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