2021 Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Elizabeth Semillon, Hunter Valley

Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Elizabeth Semillon from the Hunter Valley is a brilliant example of why this region is the undisputed master of ageworthy Semillon. Fruit is sourced from some of Mount Pleasant’s treasured old vines, hand picked early to capture vibrancy and low alcohol purity. The Elizabeth is matured in bottle for a number of years before release, allowing the natural evolution of Hunter Semillon to unfold: from bright citrus energy in youth into a deeper, more toasty and textural expression driven purely by time, not oak. This gentle alchemy is what makes the wine so loved by collectors and critics alike.

The aromas now glide between fresh and mature. Lemon zest and lime curd meet honeyed toast, lanolin and chamomile. Notes of beeswax, baked apple and a subtle struck flint minerality add intrigue while retaining the wine’s citrus backbone. There’s a whisper of herb and cool river stone that signals its origins on sandy loam soils beneath the Brokenback Range.

The palate is sleek and beautifully balanced. A tight coil of citrus unfurls into layers of lemon barley, grapefruit pith, quince and almond meal. The acidity is still crystalline, providing drive and definition, while bottle age has brought a gently creamy texture that feels both luxurious and refreshing. A long, dry finish leaves citrus oil, honey and minerality echoing with impeccable precision. It will continue to develop gracefully over five to ten years, gaining deeper savoury and nutty complexity.

A superb match for Sydney rock oysters, pan fried whiting, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, Thai cuisine, grilled asparagus or soft washed rind cheese. It is a wine that proves elegance and longevity can exist at effortless alcohol levels.