Kin by Alkina Semillon Barossa Valley 2021

When it comes to semillon, the Hunter Valley is widely regarded as Australia’s spiritual home and also one of the top places on the planet for this variety. But I’ve got to admit a soft spot for wines from the Barossa with their slightly weightier fruit and sheer drinkability as young wines plus some aging potential. This is a delicious example with a little skin contact adding not only aromatic interest but also a pithy, food-friendly texture. It promises great things over a casual lunch.

Pale gold in colour, there is a beautiful array of fruits – just ripe apricot and guava with subtle layers of fennel seed. Dry, and quite full-bodied, juicy acidity and gentle phenolics come together to give energy and impact with some more nutty flavour elements coming through on the finish. A great primer on skin contact whites.