BROKENWOOD Semillon 2008

Robert Parker Score: 88 points

Reviewer: Lisa Perrotti-Brown — 18827 Apr 2010

Drink 2010–2016

At a refreshing and infinitely drinkable 10% alcohol, their classic 2008 Hunter Valley Semillon is a solid example of this distinctive style that can be approached in its relative youth, though it ages wonderfully. It begins a little mute with subtle aromas of pure lime juice, fresh herbs and white pepper. With a light body, and crisp, lemony palate, it gives a long citrusy finish. In late 2009 it was going through a bit of a closed stage with nervy fruit flavors looking to manifest themselves. By the time I tasted it again in January, 2010, it was emerging nicely from this slumber. Drink 2010-2016.

Founded in 1970, Brokenwood, by virtue of its illustrious founders (3 lawyers from Sydney) and a proven track-record for producing superlative wines, is today amongst the Hunter Valley’s icons. Production is now at around 100,000 cases with about 50% of this being accounted for by the Cricket Pitch Red and White. Hunter Valley fruit constitutes around 25% of production and it’s their wines from this region that really make Brokenwood outstanding. Brokenwood’s famous Graveyard Vineyard was planted in 1968 using Shiraz cuttings from the vineyards of a couple of the Hunter’s oldest examples: Tyrrell’s and McWilliams. The soils at Graveyard are relatively infertile, slowing the ripening process and giving small vines.