Wednesday, March 24, 2010

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE PREMIUM SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009

- Canberra District
- $22
- Screwcap
- 13.0%alc

Due at least in part to its perceived popularity, sauvignon blanc and its customary blending partner semillon have popped up in practically every Australian wine region conceivable, regardless of its suitability (or lack there of) to the region.

Clearly dominated by semillon on the nose, Shaw Vineyard's 2009 SSB shows aromas of citrus zest, nettle, hay and green stalk before revealing a palate that lacks both fruit character and flavour definition. It announces rather broad undertones of green bean and straw flavour, then goes on to finish quite dry and bitter-edged, with a lengthy climax pulled out by persistent semillon-derived acids, which are decidedly assertive yet just in check.

X This doesn't really play to the strengths of what the blend can achieve, but then again, I've yet to have a Canberra SSB that does. Drink now.
86 points


2 comments:

  1. With you on the straw flavour - it's my least favourite thing about Semillon and often a deal breaker.

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  2. Certainly a deal breaker here AG. As I drunk this wine I did contemplate what it might of been like had it been an SBS, but then again, I didn't think its savvy component was terribly fantastic either.

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