Drink aged Hunter Semillon before you die! Why?
This is Australia's (accidental) gift to the world of wine.
Often touted as Australia’s gift to the wine world, Hunter Semillon is one of the world’s classic wine styles. And, it’s not an imitation of any of the classic Old World Regions. Margaret River, Napa valley, and Bolgheri, for example, are all imitations of Bordeaux. Ditto for Oregon, Central Otago and Tasmania in regards to Burgundy. But, Hunter Valley and its Semillon is something truly unique.
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Although, saying that, before labelling laws, Hunter Semillon was often labelled Hunter River Riesling. With its light body, zesty acidity, and lowish alcohol it does bear a resemblance to dry versions of the classic German variety (and is often misidentified as Riesling in blind tastings).It can become even more Riesling like with age, both developing complex notes of toast and honey but with Hunter Semillon taking on more oily and waxy notes.
While Hunter Semillon can be deliciously refreshing when young it’s after a good 10 plus years of bottle age that it really shines. Taking on a extraordinary high level of tertiary complexity that can only be a achieve with patience and time.