Coonawarra wouldn’t ordinarily be top of one’s list for fine botrytis affected stickies; Cabernet Sauvignon perhaps, but not sweet wines. Back in 1999, Petaluma bottled a botrytis Semillon, a one-off release. Bottled at a modest 9.6% ABV, it has stood the test of time in the cellar well thanks to an incredible amount of residual sugar. Thankfully, there’s just enough acidity to hold the wine in check. It’s a good enough if not outstanding sweetie, one to stump your wine geek mates in an options game, or for those who like it really sweet.
1999 PETALUMA SEMILLON BOTRYTIS ESSENCE
Producer: Petaluma
Variety: Sweet Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 1999
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 9.6%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 375ml
Date tasted: 15 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Mid-golden amber. Mature nose of toffee and honeycomb. Rich, full bodied, thick, viscous and mouth filling. Super sweet, almost tooth achingly so. Thankfully, there’s just enough acidity to carry it. Works well as a dessert in its own right, or with a pungent salty cheese like Roquefort.
Score: 15.5/20
1999 PETALUMA SEMILLON BOTRYTIS ESSENCEProducer: Petaluma
Variety: Sweet Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 1999
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 9.6%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 375ml
Date tasted: 15 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Mid-golden amber. Mature nose of toffee and honeycomb. Rich, full bodied, thick, viscous and mouth filling. Super sweet, almost tooth achingly so. Thankfully, there’s just enough acidity to carry it. Works well as a dessert in its own right, or with a pungent salty cheese like Roquefort.
Score: 15.5/20
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