Yes folks, while the Hunter Valley lays claim to being Australia’s Semillon heartland, there’s a small place in South Australia called the Barossa Valley (you may have heard of it for some of the red wines produced from the region) that has been doing Semillon for well over 100 years as well. This marquee release from Chateau Tanunda is hand picked, basket pressed and has fermentation in barrel and stainless steel. 7 months maturation in older French oak barrels with regular lees-stirring. Quite the departure from the racy, immediate styles that the Hunter often produce. Imposing packaging.

Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines, Semillon, Barossa, 2022

Medium pale lemon colour with green highlights. Rich and textured. Ginger (a defining note in Barossa Sem for me), lemongrass, light grapefruit citrus, fresh crumpet, bush honey and white nectarine. Generous and fleshy up-front with incredible presence. Winemaking artifice does nothing to retard the vibrancy and drive with a long length of flavour. Touches of oak spice and phenolic weight for complexity. A serious proposition for now or 10 years.

RRP: $70
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 94/100

Wine sample courtesy of Chateau Tanunda and Blend PR