Situated between two dry creek beds, the HVD (Hunter Valley Distillery) vineyard has ideal soils for Semillon; free draining sandy soils over coarse river sand. The vines are dry grown and were planted in 1908.
The 2017 growing season was one of the best in recent memory, and has produced wines of the highest quality. Solid rains in winter and spring meant the vines had constant access to water. The warmer weather in the New Year meant all of the fruit was in near perfect condition and ripeness when harvested. Handpicked in the early hours of the morning, the fruit was lightly crushed and pressed before a relatively cool fermentation. Then the wine spent minimal time on yeast lees before being bottled early to maintain its freshness. No oak fermentation or maturation.
Textbook HVD Semillon showing a lifted, generous floral aromatic and just beginning to show a hint of bottle age complexity. The palate is vibrant with an abundance of mouth filling citrus fruit, typical of the vineyard with a fine boned acidity with an almost chalky finish.
Alcohol – 10.5%
Cellaring – 5+ years
"From 1904 plantings. What a resource to have. I have a bit of a thing for HVD, when it comes to the Tyrrell’s portfolio of Sems. Rocks and a little sulphur, tangy lemon/lime, chalky feel to the texture, impressive immediately, though it feels a little raw as a young wine. Huge length on the flinty finish, with a gin & tonic with a slice of lime aftertaste. This is the dark horse of the 2017 releases, and coming back to the wine a day later, it’s clearly more cohesive and settled. Watch this baby fly over the next decade or two." (Jul 2017)
"The HVD (Hunter Valley Distilling) Vineyard was planted in 1908, and the fruit for this 2017 HVD Semillon was sourced from the Sign Post block within it. The 2017 vintage was an exceptional season for Semillon in the Hunter, and the nose here leads with sun-drenched honeysuckle, green apple skins, caper brine and crushed shells. In the mouth, the wine is gentle swaying on the brink of evolution; it's still so tight and glassy, but it's starting to hint at the enveloping texture and complexity that will develop over the next couple of years. A marvel. Highly recommended." (Dec 2022)
"Light-ish bright yellow hue with a most attractive bouquet of singed lemon, dried herb, dried floral and gently resiny aromas and flavours, the balance is dry and delicate yet intense and the finish lingering. Spring-water lightness and medium-long carry. A very fine wine." (Jul 2023)
