Two heavenly Hunter Semillons from Tyrrell’s: VAT 1 2007 & Single Vineyard Belford 2009

This time next week I shall be in Hunter Valley heaven.  How delighted was I to receive an invitation to participate in a Decanter panel tasting of Hunter Valley Semillon (latest and library releases).  The Landmark Tutorial Semillon tasting led by Andrew Thomas followed by a visit to the Hunter in 2010 really opened my eyes to the glory of this variety in that place.  Below are my notes on two great examples from leading light Tyrrell’s Wines.

Tyrrell’s Wines Single Vineyard Belford Semillon 2009 (Hunter Valley, New South Wales)

The Belford vineyard, which belongs to the Elliot family, is always picked last because, though located furthest away from the Brokeback mountain range and at lower altitude, cold air lies there for longer.  As is typical of top Hunter Semillon, the vines (planted in 1933 on own roots) grow in lean and mean  deep sandy soils.  Pale yellow with green glints it has a honeyed nose with ripe lemon, steely grapefruit and just a hint of oilskin, all of which notes follow through on a bone dry palate.  The honey – a characteristic trait of this vineyard – lends a slinky texture to this wine in the mouth but, make no mistake, it has an abundance of mouthwatering acidity.  Rarely, if ever, have I described a white wine as iron fist in velvet glove but this is it.  11% abv.  £21/bottle at The Wine Society.

Tyrrell’s Wines Winemakers Selection VAT 1 Semillon 2007 (Hunter Valley, New South Wales)

Sourced from two of Tyrrell’s best old blocks -the Short Flat and Johnno’s vineyards whose vines date back to 1923 – Vat 1 is perhaps the Hunter’s most tautly structured example of Semillon. And for me the best. It was my standout Semillon at the Australia Day Tasting earlier this year, holding you ever so tightly in a ripe yet firm lemony grip from start to very long finish.  Gorgeous example from a forward, warm, very dry vintage.   12%  £27.50 at The Wine Society (2006 vintage)