- Barossa Valley, SA- $7-$16
- Screwcap
- 10.5%alc
From far outside New South Wales' Hunter Valley, the Barossa's Peter Lehmann produces a benchmark of cheap Australian semillon. Lehmann's semillon has proven itself quite capable of short-medium term cellaring over the years, which actually contradicts something a wine educator once told me; 'if it comes in a clear glass bottle, don't age it.'
Like a shot of stunning vodka pulled from a freezer, Peter Lehmann's 2009 gives away very, very little on the nose. It has me thinking it's more refined than recent vintages, but in reality, it's probably more youthful, tight, and set for a longer term. If forced to, I'd say extremely shy, somewhat steely aromas of crisp green apples and lemon reflect the nose, characteristics which translate onto a palate that's equally as minimal in its flavour profile, if a touch more lemon accented. However, to be positive, its clarity and cleanliness are superb, as its effortless fluidity caresses the mouth in a spotless and well drawn out fashion, with a brisk framework of bright acids completing the picture in a slightly crisper, more assertive manner than usual.
ü+ If you know what to expect from the label, then Peter Lehmann's 2009 Semillon is great value, and as always, good with light seafood. Additionally, I can see it ageing slower than recent releases, especially if those green bottles are still around... Drink to 2017.
89 points
Their chenin blanc always comes up nicely with just a few yrs on it too. (I actually look for older vintages rather than the latest release.) As for the "advice" about clear bottles, obviously he has never drunk an aged Tahbilk marsanne. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I remember when he said the comment, the first wine that came to mind for me was De Bortoli's Noble One. :)
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