Briar Ridge Black Cluster Hunter Valley Semillon 2023

Some big statements are being made about the Hunter Valley’s 2023 vintage, which started cool and wet and led to one of the latest harvests in recent memory. It is being heralded as one of the best vintages since 2018, “possibly” 2013. If Black Cluster Semillon is anything to go by, it was a stunning year for Semillon. Pristine and achingly bright, it crunches, it squeaks, bringing both tension and flavour warmth. All the Hunter Semillon classic aroma notes are to be found here: white flowers, citrus blossom, lemon meringue, citrus, gooseberry, passionfruit skin. Acidity is pithy, zesty, fresh, lip-smacking. Lemony bright to taste with lime, grapefruit skin and just a touch of quince tartness against a soft spiced appley background. It runs surprisingly deep with a light, developing mid-palate texture. So much here to enjoy so early.