Nestled between two arid creek beds, the HVD (Hunter Valley Distillery) vineyard boasts the perfect terroir for Semillon: free-draining sandy soils layered over coarse river sand. These dry-farmed vines, originally planted in 1908, have thrived in this exceptional environment.

The 2017 growing season stands out as one of the most remarkable in recent memory, yielding wines of unparalleled quality. A bountiful supply of rain during the winter and spring months ensured the vines enjoyed a consistent water source. As the New Year ushered in warmer weather, the fruit achieved impeccable ripeness and condition prior to harvesting. The grapes, carefully handpicked in the early hours of the morning, underwent gentle crushing and pressing, followed by a relatively cool fermentation process. Subsequently, the wine spent minimal time on yeast lees, preserving its innate freshness. It's worth noting that no oak fermentation or maturation was employed.

The resulting HVD Semillon is a textbook example, exuding a heightened, generous floral aroma while beginning to exhibit subtle hints of bottle-age complexity. The palate bursts with vibrant, mouthwatering citrus notes, a true reflection of the vineyard's character, all complemented by a finely-tuned acidity that culminates in an almost chalky, crisp finish.

Winemaker’s Notes

Handpicked in the early hours of the morning, the fruit was lightly crushed and pressed before a relatively cool fermentation. Then the wine spent minimal time on yeast lees before being bottled early to maintain its freshness. No oak fermentation or maturation.