Hunter Valley Semillon is lean and racy in its youth but develops texture and complexity with age. It also will reflect the origins of where it is grown. This one is planted on the dolerite soils of the Fordwich Sill which leaves its footprint by way of a richer and softer wine with more palate weight in its youth, as opposed to Semillon grown on grey clay or alluvial soils.

Fruit picked in the cool of night, then quickly pressed to stainless steel. It remains on lees to gain some texture, but then bottled quickly, to retain the citrus, floral notes and the brisk acidity.

The freshness of this wine demonstrates why Hunter semillon is possibly the most under-rated wine style in the world. The aromas centre around lemon, lime and fresh hay, and the palate is decidedly linear, based on a spine of acidity. This exceptional wine, at six years of age, is still at least five away from its optimum drinking window. 'Little or no colour change; the bouquet is distinctly aromatic, but still focused on primary fruit, not toast or honey; the palate is electrifying, drawing saliva from the mouth with its mix of unsweetened lemon juice/lemon zest and life-giving acidity, the DNA of great Semillon.10.9% alcohol.' (2009 Vintage) - 97 points. - James Halliday February 2016.

The Scarborough Offshoot Verdelho starts with aromas of green tea with hints of tropical fruit, pink lady apples and honeysuckle. The palate shows botanical characters of sage, orange blossom, citrus rind, mint and lemon pith.

Released with bottle age this is a wine which will still continue to evolve over many years the toasty lemony flavours becoming richer and more intense. A classic benchmark Hunter Semillon, it has earned its place in the Langtons Classification of Australian Wine.

Drink the Brokenwood Semillon young for its zesty lime and lemon flavours or age it for 4-6 years to experience the succulent honeyed flavours of aged Semillon.