Oates Ends Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2020

This small Margaret River operation is quickly building a reputation for exceptional wines, not a bad feat given the surrounding competition. As with all Oates Ends wines, elegantly packaged. 

From the Wilyabrup sub-region (subject to some intense scrutiny in respect of a possible, and locally controversial, appellation system), this has incurred some barrel fermentation. The old Sem Sauv Blanc combo was well known as the region’s classic dry white blend, until it was swept away by the Kiwi Sauvalanche. I found a few too many of them to be a bit too grassy to really excite, but this one has no such issues. Tropical fruit just explodes from the glass. Passionfruit galore. A whiff of pineapple. Bold, full-flavoured, this is nicely balanced with good acidity; seamless and with serious length. Drink it now or for two years. For me, this is one of the best Sem Savvy blends going.