Mitchell Semillon 2009, another fine Clare Valley example

Clare Valley is best known for its Rieslings but I’m a fan of the region’s Semillons too.  Like the Rieslings, vibrant acidity courses through their veins.  Unlike the Rieslings they are (in my experience at least) generally oaked.  Mount Horrocks and Tim Adams make crackers. Hilary Mitchell showed a beautifully mature example from 2009 at the recently reported Mitchell Watervale Riesling vertical (2001-2015).  Here’s my note:

Mitchell Semillon 2009 (Clare Valley)

Packing a punch for such a (youthfully) pale wine, this definitely falls into the pale and interesting camp.  It shows ripe, sweet mandarin citrus to the nose which is joined by lemon and pithier citrus on the palate.  An exotic riff of crushed coriander seed (herb and spice both) and incisive undertow of stony/gravel mineral acidity gives line, length and lift.  A hint of lanolin and waxy note to the finish signposts the next phase of development.  Lovely complexity; in a great spot right now with scope for further development.  This wine was barrel fermented in French oak (mostly seasoned) and aged on the lees for 12 months.  12.5% This mature vintage is stocked by Manor Wines and costs £12.93.  A steal.