Sparkling, Whites & Rosé

Grown along the banks of the Hunter River this Semillon hails from the oldest continually operating vineyard in Australia, Dalwood. First planted by George Wyndham in 1828 this vineyard is a piece of living history that continues in this wine.

Our Semillon grows in alluvial sandy loam on the southern bank of the Hunter River. 2019 was a dry vintage across the Hunter Valley. Mellow and soft lemon flavours and subtle melon fruits follow on to a broadening palate. It is coming out of it's adolescence and while it still can age for many years to come it makes for a delightful drop right now.

Our 2019 Single Vineyard Semillon is made in stainless steel tanks with no oak influences, is a tour de force with a bright and zesty focus.  Pure citrus and herbal notes, showcasing the region's distinct characteristics and the freshness of the grape variety.

Fermenting the wine in stainless steel tanks is a winemaking choice that preserves the purity of the fruit and allows the wine to showcase the primary characteristics of the Semillon grape without any influence from oak. This results in a wine that is crisp and refreshing.

You can expect bright and fresh aromas of citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime, and sometimes green apple. The dominant flavours could include lemon and lime zest, with a pronounced citrusy acidity that makes the wine exceptionally refreshing. Without oak influences, the wine has a clean and pure fruit character, with a slight herbal note.

For those looking to pair with food this type of Semillon is an excellent match for a wide range of dishes, including seafood, salads, and light poultry dishes. Its high acidity can cut through rich and creamy sauces, making it a versatile choice for pairing with various cuisines.

A Semillon wine from the 2019 vintage that has been made with no oak, wild yeast fermentation, and no added sulfur in its production showcases the pure and unadulterated characteristics of the grape variety and the winemaking process. This type of winemaking approach often results in a wine that highlights the grape's natural flavours and expressions.

Here's how our creative take on a Hunter classic presents:

Colour: Dried straw with lemon rind accents.

Aromas: The wine's aromatic profile is focused on the grape's inherent qualities. Expect bright and vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon zest and grapefruit, along with hints of green apple and perhaps a touch of white flowers. The absence of oak influence and the use of wild yeast does add an extra layer of complexity, offering subtle nuances of fresh herbs.

Palate: On the palate, the Semillon does present a light to medium body with a crisp and refreshing character. The citrus flavours from the nose might translate smoothly to the palate, accompanied by a lively acidity that contributes to a zesty mouthfeel. The absence of oak maturation does emphasize the purity of the fruit.

Minimal Intervention: The absence of added sulfur and oak maturation showcases a minimal intervention winemaking approach, allowing the grape and terroir to be the primary influencers of the wine's character.

Food Pairing: The wine's bright acidity and clean fruit profile make it versatile for pairing with a range of dishes. Consider matching it with fresh seafood, light salads, grilled vegetables, and dishes with subtle herbal components, including pork belly.

Natural Expressiveness: This style of Semillon highlights the grape's natural qualities and the specific characteristics of the vintage and terroir.

Overall Impression: The 2019 Semillon made with no oak, wild yeast, and no added sulfur does offer a pure and authentic expression of the grape variety and the winemaking philosophy. Its focus on freshness, acidity, and the grape's inherent aromas make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a wine that embodies the true essence of the Semillon grape and the unique conditions of its origin.

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Sweetwater Estate vineyard grapes are hand-picked on land that has been the setting since 1844, for one of the oldest known vineyard sites in the Lower Hunter Valley.

The small Semillon vineyard at Sweetwater Estate is located on the gentle slopes beneath the main building on clay loam soils giving the Sweetwater semillon a unique florally, citrus profile.  It is much more approachable while young than its sandy river, flat grown siblings.

Grown in ancient soils, nourished by local clear waters and blessed by Australia’s abundant and constant sunshine, this Sweetwater Estate Semillon is produced in typical Hunter Valley style without oak influence.

Harvested in the cool of early morning, before sunrise, the juice was quickly pressed and fermented using wild yeast populations .

Nestled in the embrace of sandy loam soils, this Semillon showcases the influence of its surroundings in its every facet. 

The aroma of this Semillon is a testament to its environment. The lemon pith and lime zest notes on the nose are vivid and refreshing, evoking images of freshly zested citrus peels. These fragrant citrus elements are a direct reflection of the sandy loam soil's ability to infuse the grapes with vibrant, zesty flavors. The ample rainfall during the growing season has provided the necessary hydration for the vines to produce such aromatic fruit.

As the wine dances on the palate, its elegance shines through. The purity of the flavors is striking; it's as if the essence of the citrus fruits has been distilled into the wine. The cool climate and ample rainfall have preserved the wine's natural acidity, lending it a lively and invigorating quality. This purity and freshness contribute to the wine's elegance, allowing it to glide gracefully across the palate.

The harmony between the fruit expression and the elegant palate is a hallmark of this Semillon. The combination of the sandy loam soil's influence and the climatic conditions has given rise to a wine that is both refined and expressive. The lemon pith and lime zest notes remain prominent throughout the tasting experience, enhancing the wine's overall vibrancy.

In summary, the 2023 Semillon from the south bank of the Hunter River, nurtured by sandy loam soils and shaped by a cooler, rainfall-abundant vintage, is a wine that encapsulates the essence of its origin. With its fragrant citrus aromas, pure and elegant palate, and the interplay of terroir and climate, this Semillon is a delightful example of how nature's elements can be harmoniously translated into a bottle of wine.

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Fermented and matured in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal character, this Semillon showcases everything the style is known for — vibrant natural acidity and clean, citrus-driven purity.

Lemon and lime lead the palate, with a hint of green apple and a crisp, focused finish that feels bright, dry, and refreshing.

A timeless white that’s equally suited to early drinking or careful cellaring.  

Read Full Tasting Note Here.

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Take advantage of these exceptional savings and stock your cellar with your favourite wines.

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Nestled in the embrace of sandy loam soils, this Semillon showcases the influence of its surroundings in its every facet. 

The aroma of this Semillon is a testament to its environment. The lemon pith and lime zest notes on the nose are vivid and refreshing, evoking images of freshly zested citrus peels. These fragrant citrus elements are a direct reflection of the sandy loam soil's ability to infuse the grapes with vibrant, zesty flavors. The ample rainfall during the growing season has provided the necessary hydration for the vines to produce such aromatic fruit.

As the wine dances on the palate, its elegance shines through. The purity of the flavors is striking; it's as if the essence of the citrus fruits has been distilled into the wine. The cool climate and ample rainfall have preserved the wine's natural acidity, lending it a lively and invigorating quality. This purity and freshness contribute to the wine's elegance, allowing it to glide gracefully across the palate.

The harmony between the fruit expression and the elegant palate is a hallmark of this Semillon. The combination of the sandy loam soil's influence and the climatic conditions has given rise to a wine that is both refined and expressive. The lemon pith and lime zest notes remain prominent throughout the tasting experience, enhancing the wine's overall vibrancy.

In summary, the 2025 Semillon from the south bank of the Hunter River, nurtured by sandy loam soils and shaped by a cooler, rainfall-abundant vintage, is a wine that encapsulates the essence of its origin. With its fragrant citrus aromas, pure and elegant palate, and the interplay of terroir and climate, this Semillon is a delightful example of how nature's elements can be harmoniously translated into a bottle of wine.

The current vintage Tasting Note can be found Here

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