2016 Tyrrell's Winemaker's Selection VAT 1 Semillon

The 2016 Tyrrell's Winemaker's Selection VAT 1 Semillon is a benchmark example of Australia's iconic Hunter Valley Semillon style. Produced by the historic Tyrrell's Wines estate, this wine hails from some of the region's oldest, dry-grown vineyards, with certain blocks dating back to 1923. The Winemaker's Selection VAT 1 is renowned globally for its unique winemaking approach: the grapes are picked early to maintain high natural acidity, and the wine is fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks, without any oak influence. This minimalist intervention highlights the purity of the Semillon grape and results in a wine with exceptional structure and profound aging potential.

In its youth, the 2016 vintage presents a pale straw colour and a vibrant, high-strung profile. The bouquet is dominated by powerful aromas of fresh citrus, primarily lemon and lime zest, with subtle hints of green apple and a distinct mineral, flinty character. The palate is bone-dry, lean, and crisp, offering an intense burst of citrus fruit and a zesty, racy acidity that leads to a long, clean finish. As the wine ages (which it can for decades), it transforms dramatically, developing a rich, honeyed texture with complex notes of toasted bread, beeswax, and a slightly nutty complexity.

Due to its high acidity and dry style, this Semillon pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, particularly oysters and delicate white fish like sole or snapper. It also complements light, creamy cheeses, goat cheese, or Mediterranean dishes involving lemon and herbs. When aged, the wine's richer, more complex profile makes it a superb match for richer fare such as chicken in a creamy sauce or perhaps even a light foie gras terrine.