Scarborough White Label Semillon 2010 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
10.5%, Screwcap, $35
Source: Sample
www.scarboroughwine.com.au

Judging young Hunter Semillon is rarely an easy venture. In fact, I’d liken it to looking at eggs and trying to work out which will hatch first. If you’ve got the patience though, those eggs make some seriously good birds. Or something like that.

This egg (wine) follows a similar pattern, carrying plenty of potential in it’s framework, even if it looks a little awkward at present. That awkwardness starts with the tinny green straw and hay character of juvenile Semillon, followed by a palate that is actually quite full and rounded, fleshed out with some yellow apple warm year juiciness, before everything snaps into startling focus at the finish.

That acid though is what clinchs the deal. It’s penetrating, serious, green apple fresh acidity in the most classical form. It’s a subtle hint that this should be a winner 5 years time and that all that is required is bottle age. In the meantime it’s a pleasant wine, just not as great as it will end up being. 17/90++