The warming weather means refreshing, easy drinking vinos are to be chilled on ice, and what better poolside beverage to have in your glass than a clean, zesty Semillon? Often referred to as the region’s white icon variety, Hunter styles of Semillon are known for being a young, light, lemon citrus wine before blossoming into a highly complex, nutty, toastier style with a bit of age. Here are some of our top summer drinking Semillons for the warm weather.
2014 Brokenwood Sunshine Vineyard Semillon
Voted the number one Semillon of the Year in the 2023 Wine Companion Awards “this wine’s magic has nothing to do with the winemaking and everything to do with the site and seven years in bottle,” said Mr Halliday. Simply delicious, perfect for Summer consumption.
2021 Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Single Vineyard Semillon
Displaying pure Semillon fruit aromas of Kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass, the palate is crisp and packed with citrus flavours. This elegant style is balanced with fine acidity and great length, perfect to be enjoyed solo or with cheese.
2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Autumn Harvest Semillon
Fruit from some of the oldest Semillon vines in Australia was chosen and allowed to continue ripening past the main harvest to deliver rich flavours of gooseberry and lychees with a honeysuckle and raisin sweetness.
2017 Hungerford Hill SV Semillon
Block 7b Semillon grows in alluvial sandy loam on the southern bank of the Hunter River. 2017 was a cool and ideal 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.
2021 Audrey Wilkinson Marsh Vineyard Semillon
A mineral, talc, juicy acidity hits the palette first before a verdant rub of fresh fennel, greengage and lemongrass finish. Easy drinking, perfect for Summer alone or paired with fresh seafoods.
