The Blacksmith Helix 2020
An ode to Sémillon...
In light of the scandalous lack of Aussie Semillon in this country, and my mild disappointment when I finally tasted a sound Aussie example, I thought I’d try filling in the gaps with some locals. Turns out this is 50% Semillon and 50% Semillon Gris!
The Wine:
Pale lemon (with a generous dash of ‘ish), with a shy nose that’s mostly citrus fruits lemon, lime, unripe nectarines, a bit of herbaceousness and a hint of faint mace.
Dry, medium acidity that’s quite deceiving and I’m still questioning, medium bodied, lower alcohol, and a medium finish. There’s more intensity on the palate but it’s still simpler with the citrus, stone fruits, some honey, a touch of baking spices and a waxiness that rounds out the palate.
Vini + Viti:
Final thoughts:
'Twas a terrible attempt at matching a Hunter Valley Sem. But a delicious attempt, nonetheless. Gotta love the awesome label that represents the mutation of Semillon to Semillon Gris that could be red one year be red and white the next - the helix strands are made up of bones shaded differently!
