Wild yeasts, some parcels clean fermented in tank (and retaining a little sugar to have the final wine sitting at 9gms/l making it just off-dry) while other parcels kept cloudy in barrel ferments and 30% of the fruit parcels with 4 months on skins. Blending the parcels is where the winemaking comes to the fore. Made in a ‘vegan friendly’ way. Note: Bottle image is of 2024, but nought else has changed

Gundog Estate, Wild, Semillon, Hunter Valley, 2025

Very pale hue with a green highlight. Lemon shortbread, lemongrass, macadamia, nougat, lime skin and a neat stony freshness. Balances richness, texture and acid to make an approachable, if unlikely Hunter Semillon. While it strays from the traditional mould, the drinkability factor is high.

RRP: $37
Alc: 10.3%
Rating 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Gundog Estate