Brokenwood, ILR Reserve Semillon 2017

Wine Type: White

Grape(s): 100% Semillon

Country: Australia

Region: Hunter Valley

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 11%

Winery: Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 as Chief Winemaker and Managing Director and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production. Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain stepped down from winemaking in 2020, however remains on as a director and consultant. Winemaking is now in the hands of Senior Winemaker Stuart Hordern and Winemaker Kate Sturgess, with Kat Barry as the Hunter Valley Vineyards Manager.

Winemaking: Harvesting all by hand. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately. Neutral yeasts were used for the fermentation, bottled in July. No oak and no malolactic ferment, only stainless steel. Sustainably farmed - Brokenwood’s sustainability journey began over a decade ago with a focus on continuous improvement. More recently, they've taken steps to formalise their commitment by becoming a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia for the Hunter-based winery and Hunter Valley-owned and managed vineyards.

Tasting Notes: Released only in the best vintages, Brokenwood select the Semillon grapes from their best vineyards and age them for 6 years before release for this special label. This is a fine, fragrant Semillon, which is still incredibly youthful, with citrus aromas and lemon curd, beeswax a toast coming to the fore with more and more age in bottle. To be enjoyed now, or if carefully cellared until 2031.