Brokenwood Semillon 2009

COMMENTS

The 24th vintage of Brokenwood Semillon and a release always worth celebrating. Looking back at the previous vintages the lead up to 2006 mirrored that of 2003, except for a mere 60mm of rain in one downpour right in the middle of winter. The actual vintage conditions were very similar from the heat through to the low crops.

Spring/summer saw good rain to lead into what was to be one of the hottest summers on record. Christmas Day 2005 and New Years Day 2006 were both 45°C. By late January, the Hunter had had another 7 - 10 days of plus 40°C weather. What was looking like a normal start, after Australia Day became a 14th January start for many. The vineyards did vary
depending on the soil and the water.

Brokenwood kicked off on 27th January with the Semillon all being picked by the 6th February. Some sunburn as expected and low juice yields but very good flavour.

VINIFICATION

Harvesting all by hand. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately. Neutral yeasts for the fermentation and bottled in June. Only stainless steel, no oak and no malolactic fermentation.

TASTING NOTES

Excellent, luminous green/yellow colour. Lifted zesty, lemongrass aromas with some sweet apple blossom characters. Fruit dominant on the palate but typical tight structure with citrus acid finish. Initial lime plus cut grass flavours. Perfect balance of fruit, alcohol and acid. An impressive Semillon from a year that will reward early drinking or cellaring.

FOOD

Asian Food, any seafood especially fresh shucked oysters.