James Halliday - Semillon of the Year ILR 2009

Semillon of the Year - 97pts
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2016

Trophy & Gold - 'Best Semillon'
2015 Shanghai International Wine Challenge'

Gold Medal
Sydney Royal Wine Show 2015

Tasting Notes

This wine has a beautiful colour, and perfect grapes/ripening means nothing interferes with the gentle aging. As the wine warms up, the citrus and some florals come in. Bees wax and then ‘toast’ will come in a few years. Lively palate, plenty of citrus pith and seamless acidity. A perfect follow up to the near perfect 2007 ILR and a wine that has a long future in front of it. Enjoy.

Winemakers Comments

Mid January in the Hunter Valley always brings with it a slight nervousness in the wine industry. Having been battered in both previous years – drought in 2007 and pouring rain in 2008, it is no wonder. Black cats are certainly not wanted and ladders given a wide berth. Vintage 2009? The rain that plagued the 08 vintage finally eased up at the end of April and then no rain days in May. The middle three winter months normally dry for us saw another 250mm (10 inches) and then odd rain days through to the year end. Fruit set was not as complete but resulted in long loose bunches especially in the Shiraz. A good result.

Vinification

Harvesting all by hand. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately. Neutral yeasts were used for the fermentation, bottled in July. No oak and no malolactic ferment, only stainless steel.

Food

Asian food, any seafood especially fresh shucked oysters.

Drink

Drinking well now but will improve with further bottle age.


Anthony Barr
Anthony Barr

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