Brokenwood Tallawanta Vineyard Semillon 2019
- 94
- $66
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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This vineyard was originally all Shiraz, planted in 1920, but in the mid 90s, the team identified a portion of the block for Semillon. This release is just the third single vineyard Sem from this vineyard. 2019 was the final year of a trio of dry vintages, but exceptional ones, and it shows. The wine has been given a few years in the cellars at Brokenwood, but will surely take many more for those with patience – patience which will be deservedly rewarded. Still very much a youthful Sem, but a classic one. So impressive. There is lemon and dry hay, other citrus notes and a slight minerally note providing backing. Finely balanced with focus and persistence, the finish sees the intrusion of a touch of a honey and oatmeal notes. Quite seamless in its structure, with a seductive texture, this is a ten year plus proposition.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
