Although recognised as one of Australia’s gifts to the wine world, early picked unoaked Hunter Valley Semillon is all too often ignored by the wine drinking public. Much is the pity, as mature Hunter Valley Semillon is a delight to behold.
Iron Gate Estate is relative newcomer to the Hunter Valley scene, with its first wines being released in 2000 from vines planted in 1996. The estate produces a range of wines including Verdelho, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend. A rather quirky sparkling wine, made from Verdelho and Semillon, is also produced.
While some may draw umbrage with the prominent use of American oak in the estate’s Chardonnay and Shiraz, the unoaked Semillon is Hunter Valley to the core. The 2004 vintage, currently available at the cellar door, displays typical mature Semillon characters of lanolin and beeswax. The palate is slightly crunchy in texture, an attribute that is quite pleasant. All in all, this is a very decent example of its type, one that is likely to be enjoyed by those who are fans of the style.
2004 SEMILLON
Producer: Iron Gate
Variety: Semillon
Vintage: 2004
Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
ABV: 11.6%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $29.00
Date tasted: 30 March 2012
Tasting Note:
Lemon yellow with golden glints. Typical mature Hunter Semillon nose; honeysuckle, lanolin, beeswax and preserved lemons, hay. Dry, just shy of medium bodied, quite crunchy in texture. Honey and lemon follow through on the palate, which is slightly waxy. Good length.
Score: 15.5+/20
Iron Gate Estate is relative newcomer to the Hunter Valley scene, with its first wines being released in 2000 from vines planted in 1996. The estate produces a range of wines including Verdelho, Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend. A rather quirky sparkling wine, made from Verdelho and Semillon, is also produced.
While some may draw umbrage with the prominent use of American oak in the estate’s Chardonnay and Shiraz, the unoaked Semillon is Hunter Valley to the core. The 2004 vintage, currently available at the cellar door, displays typical mature Semillon characters of lanolin and beeswax. The palate is slightly crunchy in texture, an attribute that is quite pleasant. All in all, this is a very decent example of its type, one that is likely to be enjoyed by those who are fans of the style.
2004 SEMILLONProducer: Iron Gate
Variety: Semillon
Vintage: 2004
Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
ABV: 11.6%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $29.00
Date tasted: 30 March 2012
Tasting Note:
Lemon yellow with golden glints. Typical mature Hunter Semillon nose; honeysuckle, lanolin, beeswax and preserved lemons, hay. Dry, just shy of medium bodied, quite crunchy in texture. Honey and lemon follow through on the palate, which is slightly waxy. Good length.
Score: 15.5+/20
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