Meerea Park Hell Hole Semillon 2008 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
Screwcap, $25
The non existent Summer of 2007/2008 produced this wine – an utterly forgettable one for Hunter red wine makers, but a vintage that will produce some extraordinarly long lived white wines. The only problem with the 08 whites (apparently) is that some where made from grapes that never got ripe, leading to some green vege characters. A vintage for the patient then perhaps, as the younger wines may be hard drinks.
This is green green in colour, tending almost colourless. The aromatics are beguiling for a Hunter Semillon – green peas, citrus and even some passionfruit. It’s almost Sauvignon like in its aromatic intensity, which is very unusual indeed for young Hunter Sem. The palate is searingly dry, with green apple and lemon fruit, but with a late hit of fruit sweetness. The whole wine is green and unevolved, with acidity that sits up there in the realm of German Riesling.
This is a dry, lemony but beautiful Hunter Semillon. It may polarise with its searing intensity, but for the believers (ie me) this is the perfect ‘vintage snapshot’ wine. Will cellar for bloody ages if your patient too. 18
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