Bob McDonald

9.5

A mid straw yellow in colour. Aromas are lemon and lime, lemongrass, mineral, wet hay with toastiness and lanolin starting to emerge at 13 years of age. Light bodied but great intensity - a richer texture for a Semillon, bearing in mind that this wine sees no oak at all - stainless steel all the way. Only 11% alcohol. Luckily I have 4 bottles left - a cellar life extending to 2030+. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Deep Ruby in colour. Strong earthy stony aromas with deep ripe plum plus red and black fruits. An example of a Hunter Valley wine trying to be like a South Australian Shiraz - too ripe and full bodied. “Clumsy” HH said when it was first released. Thankfully wine makers lately in the Hunter have returned to the old medium weight, savoury, “sweaty saddle “ style. Returning to this 2005, this is more full bodied and rich but the quality of the very old vines planted by Maurice O’Shea pulls it over the line as a high quality wine. The more recent vintages of Maurice O’Shea are of extreme quality (2014 - 99 points), back to what the Hunter does best, and will live for decades. — 3 months ago

Ming L

9.0

The nose is reminiscent of a SB with nice mix of citrus, tropical, and melon fruits with hint of hay. The initial entry feels like a Chablis that’s acidic and steely, but the body gains weight in the glass and there is hint of sweetness and white floral toward the finish.
Not much experience with 100% Semillon, but this is very nice. — 6 months ago

Jol

9.0

Plus rond que le 2017 dixit Gaëtan — 20 days ago

Ira Schwartz

9.4

There’s nothing like the excitement of head to head competition. Unfortunately, that excitement ends quickly when one of the participants has to withdraw. The 2013 was extremely advanced with a heavy petrol nose. The 2014 on the other hand was a great example of what this wine should be. A clean nose of grapefruit and grass but not in that overbearing way that can be the case with SB. Once in the mouth SB steps aside and the Semillon becomes the “boss”. Apricot and pears pop up and the initial dose of mouth watering acidity gives way to a wonderful roundness that allows for a long finish. — 22 days ago

with Stephen

Galen Hasler

9.1

Meyer lemon, hint of petrol and beeswax Beautiful bouquet. Crisp acidity. — 4 months ago

Ruud Verhagen

9.3

this was delicious and beats a lot of white Bordeaux in price quality matters, a great value (70% sauvignon blanc, 30% semillon) — a month ago

David White

9.2

I preferred Mt Pleasant much better under McWilliams ownership, single vineyard expressions are not as clear cut as they used to be.
1946 Rosehill not as distinct as it used to be.
Sill one on the Hunter’s better wines — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Bright mid yellow. Citrus with wet straw, lanolin and a faint paraffin note. On the palate such purity with that zesty citrus and those waxy lanolin notes you get with mature Semillon. Enough acid to propel this wine into the 2030’s to achieve 25 years of age. Lovedale is one of the leading Semillons in the Hunter Valley - the vineyard being planted by Maurice O’Shea in 1946 and the first vintage in 1950. This was my first of 4 bottles, so , fun times ahead!! A multi Trophy winner in National Wine Shows. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Tasting from a week ago at Mick’s place. This was very restrained for a Hunter Valley Chardonnay. Nothing like Tyrrells Vat 47 for example which is usually ripe and buttery. Light to medium weight - more lemony and citrus than stone fruit. An excellent Chardonnay nevertheless. — 6 months ago