2024 Mount Horrocks Semillon Organic, Clare Valley

This is out of the box in the best sense. Quite unctuous, medium-weight texture, lanolin grease and slide, some honeyed notes, sea spray and brine, then the more classic characters of lime, lemon and green apple. It's generous and riper than expected for the variety but, in that, complex, layered and just darn lovely. Lots of personality, too. Drink in youth.

94 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Mount Horrocks Semillon Organic is a beautifully pure and vibrant example of Clare Valley Semillon, made by one of Australia’s most respected boutique producers. Established in 1993 by winemaker Stephanie Toole, Mount Horrocks focuses on certified organic viticulture and meticulous small-batch winemaking. This Semillon is grown on the estate’s single vineyard near Auburn in the Clare Valley, an area known for its elevated position, cool nights, and limestone-rich soils that produce wines with freshness, structure, and impressive age potential.

The vines are organically farmed without synthetic inputs, allowing the fruit to fully express the character of the site. Hand harvesting ensures pristine grapes, which are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel using neutral yeasts to preserve varietal clarity. No oak is used, allowing the bright citrus and herbal notes typical of Clare Valley Semillon to shine. The result is a wine of precision, purity, and lively acidity that can be enjoyed young for its vibrancy or aged to develop complex honeyed and toasty characters.

In the glass, Mount Horrocks Semillon is a pale straw with green hues. Aromas of lemon zest, lime blossom, fresh-cut herbs, and subtle chalky minerality lift from the glass. The palate is crisp and linear, with concentrated citrus flavours, fine acidity, and a clean, lingering finish. The texture is delicate but assured, with the acidity promising many years of graceful evolution in bottle.

This Semillon pairs wonderfully with freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, seared scallops, or delicate fish dishes. It’s also excellent with light goat’s cheese salads or lemon and herb roast chicken. While delightful in its youth, it can cellar for 10 to 15 years, developing rich, toasty, and honeyed complexity typical of great Clare Valley Semillon.