Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Semillon 2017

Semillon in the Barossa Valley has been a bit of a dog’s body – a curio on the side to enjoy on a hot Summer’s day. Few winemakers have given it much attention but Marco Cirillo does not just have any vineyard – it may be the oldest parcel of Semillon vines in the country, if not the world.

The wine is similar in style to a Hunter Valley classic. It is very pale in colour and has concentrated lanolin, dried grass, citrus and green apple fruits. It is then dry and light as a feather in a low alcohol style but also with some textural richness – almost like a dry Mosel Riesling with its combination of acid and sheer power.

The fruit is concentrated and shows seamless balanced with a core of tight acidity that drives a very long finish – the balance in particular and youthful vitality suggesting this wine has a very long way to run.