Grape Variety: 100% Semillon

Growing Region: Darlington Point, Riverina, New South Wales

Winemaker: Daren Owers

TASTING NOTE:
This 'sweet wine' like some many - is more versatile than just matched with dessert at the end of the evening meal. Yes this Botrytis Semillon is sweet, there is no denying, but being made from Semillon gives the wine a bright, freshness on the palate, so can be enjoyed after lunch, during the afternoon with fresh and dried fruits and cheeses. The Semillon for this special dessert wine was sourced from the Cookoothama Vineyard on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Darlington Point in the Riverina.

Careful monitoring of the botrytis infection in the vineyard allowed the 'super-ripe' fruit to be delivered in ideal condition for this style of wine. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately, with the juice allowed to settle for 18 hours prior to racking and fermentation. Initial fermentation was in stainless steel tanks, after which parcels of the wine was transferred to new French oak to finish fermentation and enjoy a further 14 months maturation prior to final blending and bottling.

In the glass you are greeted by a brilliant pale gold colour and hue. The bouquet is packed with enticing aromas of dried apricot and fig with marmalade and orange peel. The palate is luscious with concentrated apricot nectar, dried fig and pineapple with well balanced acidity giving it length, structure and a lively finish. Serve at 6-8C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this season and will age for another 5-7 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with cool creme brulee, cheese platter with dried fruits, enjoy.

Gold Medal - Int. Wine & Spirit Competition 2009.