Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous notes going back to November 2018. Can only reiterate from that note what Murray Tyrrell said and that on this occasion I have to disagree with Murray despite all of the incredible Hunter Valley Semillons he made on stainless steel. The oak really compliments this wine in a white Bordeaux style. Still lovely and fresh with the oak adding a vanilla texture. Ripe apple notes on nose and palate. Had my last bottle 50 weeks later on 24/11/21 and it was wonderful. Perfectly integrated French oak with a creamy texture very ripe apple with cashew. Would definitely buy again. Excellent. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Medium lemon. Again too cold for an acidic white like Semillon even with 6 years of age. This Sem showed barrel ferment characters - biscuit notes. One of the doyens of Hunter Valley Semillon, Murray Tyrrell, said putting Sem to oak was no good for the wine and a waste of good French Oak but I guess it makes it more saleable at a young age without having to wait 10+ years. Still developing. — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Continuing on with the Semillon theme this is the multi awarded Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley from the Lovedale Vineyard first planted in 1956 by Maurice OShea. This was a typical aged Hunter showing Mid Lemon yellow in colour with aromas of wet hay, and buttered toast. On the palate citrus with a soapy texture. Has not seen oak but these aged Hunters used to fool MWs in London thinking that oak had been used. They definitely put on weight with age developing toast and honeyed characters. Murray Tyrrell famously said that putting oak to Semillon spoilt the wine and was a waste of good oak barrels.! Murray made many Trophy winning Vat 1s in his career with Vat 1 being the main rival to this Lovedale over the years. — 4 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.1

Very chablis like
Young, but enjoyable
So minerally i thought it was a Belford vineyard from Tyrrell — 5 years ago

Patty G

8.9

I'm drinking with Pat and Barbara Tyrrell — 7 years ago