The best Australian wine I drank in Bali: Tyrrell’s HVD Semillon 2017

While my Balinese family holiday drinking was largely about pina coladas by the pool, two bottles of wine did come along from home (only two given that its a strict 1 litre per person limit), and this Tyrrell’s HVD Semillon 2017 was the best of them.

I know I bang on a lot about the magic of aged Hunter Semillon, but I challenge anyone not to appreciate a glass of this HVD (especially on a warm Balinese evening). It’s just a really nice, fresh yet complex, enjoyable crisp white wine. That’s it. You’ll find it easy to see more layers and appreciate the structural magic, but in every way, it’s simply a good drink.

Importantly, and unlike some young Sems, the 2017 HVD is already approachable (like many of the 2017s) with this golden openness that contrasts with the usual green fruit bass note. There’s a lemon balm and hay note in there, too (which is both a vineyard/warm vintage thing), and it just adds sunshine.

Arguably a more forward year for HVD, but that’s not actually a bad thing – it just makes for more grandiose flavour. It all just feels so right, from the easy, just-right acidity to the length to finish. It works in an unforced way and at a fantastic price.

I’m buying some.

Best drinking: now to another decade without even trying. The mid-noughties HVD Sems are in a good, fully mature place now. 18.5/20, 94/100. 10.5%, $45 (but I’ve seen it as low as $35). Tyrrell’s website. Would I buy it? Already doing that!