2023 Ashbrook Estate Semillon, Margaret River

Lifted aromas of cut grass, waxy lemon, white flowers and stone fruit. Fresh and crunchy on the palate, there's plenty of citrus and nectarine flavours at play and the acidity has lovely brightness and ping. The finish has some smart texture and there's a cool minerality in there as well. Drink 2024 to 2031

92 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, January 2024

Somewhat reticent on the flavour front although fresh with zingy acidity zipping across the palate. Hints of citrus, a light layer of lemon curd and a touch of spice. It is appealing and could quench a thirst. Drink 2024 to 2028.

92 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, May 2024

Ashbrook Estate has been quietly making some of Margaret River's most consistent wines since the Devitt family planted their first vines in Wilyabrup in 1975. The third generation continues to produce wines from estate vineyards that are managed with a long-term view of soil health rather than short-term yield.

The Semillon vines at Ashbrook were planted with cuttings sourced from the original Moss Wood vineyard in 1976. The 2023 was a dry, even summer with no extreme heat events, and the flavour intensity across the vintage was exceptional. The fruit was hand-picked over three days at dawn, pressed immediately and fermented in stainless steel in a dry, unwooded style that lets the variety speak without interference.

The wine shows fresh-cut grass, citrus flower and lemon zest on the nose with a waxiness and faint tropical note underneath. The palate is bright and crunchy with lemon barley, lime and nectarine, lifted by a zingy acidity and a clean mineral finish.

The wine's citrus brightness and clean texture suits something fresh but well-seasoned: a Vietnamese-style prawn and vermicelli salad with lime and mint, or grilled kingfish with a lemon and caper dressing.

Drink now through 2030.