Sensational semillon

These three great releases showcase just how versatile semillon can be.

1 2022 DALWOOD ESTATE SEMILLON

Hunter Valley, NSW

The Dalwood Estate Semillon grows in sandy loam soil on the south bank of the Hunter River. The 2022 vintage was cool with ample rainfall. The fruit was picked in late January and is fragrant with lemon pith and lime zest; the palate is pure and elegant.

What makes this wine so special?

This wine comes from our Dalwood vineyard (as does the Hungerford Hill Dalwood Block 7B Semillon), the oldest continually operating vineyard in Australia. First planted by George Wyndham in 1828, this vineyard is a piece of living history that continues in this wine.

How should this wine be best enjoyed?

This wine is best enjoyed chilled, with freshly shucked oysters and just the right company.

$27, dalwoodestate.com.au @dalwoodestate

2 2018 HUNGERFORD HILL DALWOOD BLOCK 7B SEMILLON

Hunter Valley, NSW

Soft lemon flavours and subtle melon fruits follow on to a broadening palate. Made in stainless-steel tanks with no oak influences, this wine is a tour de force with a bright and zesty focus. Pure citrus and herbal notes showcase the region’s distinct characteristics.

What do you love about making semillon?

Semillon is a true expression of the Hunter Valley; it's so much more than meets the eye. We use minimal intervention in the winery, looking for nuances to highlight the expression. Block 7B wines are the very best that we produce; the highest quality fruit, cellared and released for immediate consumption.

How should this wine be best enjoyed?

This wine is a perfect match for food. Try it with roast pork with perfectly crisped crackling.

$55, hungerfordhill.com.au @hungerfordhill

3 2013 McLEISH ESTATE WINES CELLAR RESERVE SEMILLON

Hunter Valley, NSW

The Hunter in all its glory. This wine showcases the intensity and flavour of a wonderfully cellared semillon. A deep golden hue, with developed characters of waxy lanolin, lemon curd and brioche toastiness.

What makes this wine so special?

Semillon = patience! This estate-grown, single vineyard semillon has been cellared to perfection. It has transformed over time into a glorious 10-year-old wine that showcases bottle age complexity, with decades still ahead of it.

How should this wine be best enjoyed?

Serve slightly chilled, which allows the wine to express its full range of flavours and aromas. Pair with smoked salmon or lobster, the zesty citrus notes and crisp acidity make it perfect for the festive season.

$110, mcleishestatewines.com.au @mcleishestatewines