2022 Bimbadgen Single Vineyard Palmers Lane Semillon, Hunter Valley

Opens with a welcome to all and sundry with its gentle freshness and crisp acidity. There's no extract to speak of, just a breath of elegance.

92 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

The Bimbadgen Single Vineyard Palmers Lane Semillon from the Hunter Valley is a classic expression of one of Australia’s most distinctive and age-worthy white wine styles. The Palmers Lane vineyard, with its sandy loam soils and excellent drainage, produces Semillon of purity, precision and remarkable longevity. Bimbadgen’s single-vineyard focus ensures that the individuality of site shines through, with Semillon here displaying both youthful vibrancy and the potential to evolve beautifully with age.

In the glass it is very pale straw with green tinges. The nose is fresh and lifted, showing lemon zest, lime blossom and green apple alongside subtle herbal and mineral notes. On the palate it is light-bodied yet intensely flavoured, with mouth-watering citrus, crunchy apple and fine chalky texture supported by zesty natural acidity. The finish is long, taut and refreshing, with a purity that makes it both compelling in youth and highly collectable for the cellar.

Food pairings reflect its bright acidity and clean profile: freshly shucked oysters, grilled whiting, kingfish ceviche, Thai fish cakes or a simple goat’s cheese salad. As it matures over 10 to 15 years, the wine develops honeyed, toasty and lanolin notes, gaining richness and complexity while retaining its citrus backbone.