February 2, 2024 - Bought a few bottles of this 2017 HVD today and decided to open one since I still have the 2016 fresh in mind from last night.
2017 is less giving on the nose at this stage - almost mute, while the 2016 was much more generous, with white nectarine and toast notes. 2017 has a pronounced minerality on the midpalate, a cuddly lime acidity; slightly oily in texture, a touch below medium bodied. Still early days at 7 years of age under screwcap, and should continue to evolve in the standard Hunter Semillon style.
January 28, 2024 - This lacks depth and intensity on both nose and more importantly on the palate. Feels like it was over cropped given that it was a good white year in the hunter. Belford a much better wine. Disappointing.
December 18, 2023 - Tasted at "Fish at The Rocks": Very muted, nd never opened through the course of the meal. What I got was some minerality, but the wine tasted very light and involved. i was expecting more, especially some lanolin type complexity of the semillon grape... wonder if it will ever come around...
So far, none of the Australian white wines have "wowed" me..
November 17, 2023 - Creamy lemon squash is prominent on the nose with some lanolin also in the background. The palate has broad and rich elements of lemon with some lime. This is a creamy and more textural expression of Hunter semillon that is likely to reach maturity more quickly than the other Tyrrell’s semillons of this vintage.
September 22, 2023 - Grass, lemongrass, toouch of lime. Juicy and fleshy, a sense of breadth - the age has helped soften the impression of the acidity, grass and citrus flavours, slightly dilute. Hmm.
September 5, 2023 - During a walkabout tasting, so only brief impressions. Fresh, linear yet creamy enough.
April 6, 2023 - {screwcap , 10.5%} Grass, dirty lemon and some earth. Some development apparent. Translucent palate, light and dancing, with medium acid and softening fruit. Straw flavours, bone dry, no hint of unripeness despite the low alcohol. Even palate, medium length finish. A bit subdued, underwhelming perhaps, but nothing that time won’t fix.
October 28, 2022 - Pale yellow gold, green tinge. Pungent, earthy, grippy, lemon, hints of mushroom on the nose, some brightness too. Tasting opens with a gentle acidity, fineness, balanced fruit, tiny drop of sweetness, exceptionally well defined and balanced. This is very fresh, youthful and bright, lime zest nicely softened by some age. Very very good. An exceptional Hunter Semillon.
August 30, 2021 - {screwcap, 10.5%} Pale lemon colour. Some development, intense nose of lime and honey. Palate is bone dry, with medium acidity, but medium weight despite the low alcohol. Honey, lime and stones on the palate, which is really surprisingly rich. As good an HVD as I can remember. Should develop for a few more years at least.
October 6, 2020 - {screwcap,10.5%} still pale straw yellow. Moderately intense nose of straw and stones, almost reminiscent of a Pfalz trocken riesling or something. Clean, oak free. Palate is dry, a bit watery in texture, mildly flavoured with grass and straw and a hint of apple. Lowish acidity for semillon (and considering the low alcohol). Light body, short/medium finish. Might get a bit more interesting with cellaring, competent but rather low key at the moment.