11 January 2016

2014 LEVANTINE HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON - NEW KID ON THE BLOCK


Levantine Hill is one of the new kids on the block in the Yarra Valley. The valley hasn’t witnessed such a major investment for many years. In the space of little more than 24 months, a new cellar door and restaurant has been developed and the 25 year old vineyard is being reconfigured.

From a varietal perspective, Levantine Hill offers up some of the Yarra Valley’s usual suspects; Chardonnay and a Bordeaux-inspired Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend for white, and Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon for red. There is also a rosé, made from Cabernet Sauvignon. A quartet of extravagantly priced single block wines from steep sites round out the offering.

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends remain unfashionable in Australia notwithstanding their compatability with food and ability to age well in bottle. This example, Levenatine Hill’s second vintage release, is pretty much on the button, barrel ferment and maturation lending texture and complexity, as well downplaying Sauvignon’s overt herbaceousness. It is a well packaged wine that drinks very well now and should develop in bottle over the medium term.

2014 LEVANTINE HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON
Producer: Levantine Hill
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Vintage: 2014
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $35.00
Date tasted: 30 December 2015

Tasting Note:
Bright silvery lemon. Guava, passionfruit, lemon/grapefruit citrus, subtle oak spice, fresh herbs. Dry, medium bodied, lovely texture. Good fruit intensity, no single character dominating; melon interwoven with delicate tropical fruit with a subtle herbaceous thread. Wood provides texture and spicy complexity. Very good.
Score: 16.5/20

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