2018 First Creek Winemaker’s Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley

Using the best fruit from the Hunter Valley, this wine is deemed excellent. This Semillon has an intriguing nose of citrus zest. Fresh, clean and long, the palate is delicate leading to a seamless acid backbone, delivering a wine with great line and length. A classy and well-made wine with immediate appeal yet the structure required for the long-haul. Very limited.

The use of a heavy glass bottle for semillon is rare. The wine has a highly expressive bouquet, lemongrass and a haunting touch of spice, the palate building on the promise of the bouquet with citrus-tinged acidity that has already stamped the wine but with none of the sharp edges that can bring tears to the eyes of the unwary. A particular feature of the wine is its high alcohol, unusual, but works like a charm. Top gold Hunter Valley Wine Show ‘18.

97 points  James Halliday  winecompanion.com.au