2019 Mount Pleasant Icon Series Lovedale Semillon, Hunter Valley

An iconic wine sourced from the Lovedale vineyard, planted in '46 by Maurice O'Shea. As a '19 cellar release, this wine is just beginning to reveal the greatness that lies ahead. Scented and alluring like an exquisite perfume, it offers notes of zest, lemon thyme and cultured butter. The palate seamlessly combines power and suppleness, enhanced by age, with charred citrus notes and satisfying mid-palate generosity. Although beautiful now, the defined vein of limey acidity reminds the drinker that it's only partway through its journey.

96 points Toni Paterson MW therealreview.com

Mount Pleasant Icon Series Lovedale Semillon is one of the true reference points for Hunter Valley Semillon and a wine that has helped define the variety on a world stage. Sourced from the famed Lovedale Vineyard, first planted in the 1940s, this site is renowned for producing Semillon of purity, tension and extraordinary longevity. The vineyard sits on alluvial sandy loams over clay, ideal for controlling vigour and retaining acidity in the warm Hunter Valley climate.

Mount Pleasant’s connection to Lovedale is deeply woven into Australian wine history. Under the guidance of Maurice O’Shea, the winery helped establish the modern understanding of dry Hunter Semillon. Early picking, low alcohol, piercing natural acidity and a complete absence of oak are all deliberate choices, designed to allow the vineyard to speak clearly and the wine to evolve slowly over decades.

In its youth, Lovedale Semillon is all about restraint and clarity. Aromas are subtle and precise. Fresh lemon juice, lime zest and green apple sit alongside hints of grass, talc and wet stone. There is no overt fruitiness here, just purity and tension. The palate is light bodied and razor sharp, with bright acidity carrying citrus flavours through a long, bone dry finish. Alcohol is modest, and the wine feels almost weightless yet intensely focused.

With time in bottle, the transformation is remarkable. As it ages, Lovedale Semillon develops layers of toast, honey, lanolin and biscuit, gaining texture and complexity while retaining its spine of acidity. This evolution is what has made it one of Australia’s most collectable and cellar worthy white wines.

At the table, this wine is incredibly versatile. In its youth, it shines with oysters, shellfish, sashimi or simple seafood. With age, it pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork, creamy sauces or richer dishes where its acidity cuts through. While it is delicious young for its freshness, the Icon Series Lovedale Semillon is built for serious cellaring and will evolve effortlessly for twenty to thirty years or more.

Mount Pleasant Icon Series Lovedale Semillon is a wine of heritage, discipline and patience. Quiet on release, profound with time, and a cornerstone of Australian fine wine.