I’m not sure what’s happened to the Bungawarra Semillon Wines, I haven’t noticed them the last few years and I do hope the vines haven’t been affected by the recent extreme drought. This is the first Bungawarra Semillon I’ve tried, I bought just two after tasting at the cellar door with Jeff, of course now I have retrospective regret – this is a lovely wine. 2017 was a ripper vintage for whites on The Granite Belt and those conditions were obviously appreciated by these Semillon vines.
Hand picked crushed and pressed in a traditional basket press and minimal intervention followed, you don’t get much more analogue than that.
A lovely enticing lemony gold colour in the glass, vibrant and glowing.
Aromas carrying tingling citrus, a little spice and zesty fragrances with green apple produce a lively dynamic welcome.
The palate is fresh exhibiting a viscous tension driven by energetic acid, the fruit has some genuine citrus zing showcasing lemon, ripe limes, mandarin, a little grapefruit and a slightly bitter orange rind. Some honeyed characters are starting to develop and weave their way through the citrus in a currently unsuccessful attempt to diminish the tang but prophesying some smoother characters to come. The long vibrant palate experience of this wine demands seafood or well chosen tapas.
There isn’t a lot of Semillon on The Granite Belt but the elevated cool climate of The Granite Belt combined with a great white wine vintage has produced a rare wine with acidity and fruit power promising a long life.
Tasted: Sunday 16th April, 2023 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 11.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $17
Suggested Drinking Window: now to 2030
Winemaker: Jeff Hardin
Fruit Source: Estate
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