Margaret River Semillon is recognised by adherents of stylish white wines as a genre that can only grow in stature. The variety lends itself to bottle ageing, one of the few white grapes that can be treated to extended maturation, showing a better track record than most Chardonnays. Vasse Felix produces an aromatic, textured Semillon that is individual in style and in winemaking technique. Partial fermentation in new French oak barriques provides depth and complexity to a wine that drinks beautifully upon release whilst developing handsomely.
 
Favourable climes around the Vasse Felix Margaret River vineyards range from the cool maritime winds to the tropical mid day sun. The Semillon vines here will usually compensate for cooler conditions by reducing their cropping capacity so that every chance is given to obtain optimum ripeness. Upon release, Margaret River Semillon can have a similar flavour spectrum to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, showing more palate richness and weight. Overall, the fruit exhibits extraordinary freshness, vibrant lifted fruit intensity, elegant structure and balanced finesse. Approximately a third of the wine underwent ten weeks maturation under a combination of new and prior use French oak barrels.
 
Light straw colour. A fragrant, clean fruit-driven nose with fresh varietal aromas of floral spices, tropical yogurt and lime splice. Hints of grassiness with herbality, wet pine and dry grasses with a slight underlying toasty edge from the French oak. The palate is long and precise with lime and Thai spice flavours offering freshness to the palate. A clean natural acidity provides an elegant backbone, with the French oak providing some richness and palate weight while toning down the more obvious herbal notes. It offers vibrant zesty flavours in its youth, with a well structured acid backbone. The oak also provides a layer of sweetness to the palate while ensuring the ageing potential of the wine.

Puts me in mind of a lime spider - lime and vanilla with some grassiness putting an attractive herbal edge on. It’s crisp, lively and smooth offering that most interesting interplay between bright citrus and grassy notes and the creaminess of a little barrel work. Flinty finish. Length and flow all excellent, and while I love drinking it, it doesn’t quite hold the excitement of the previous couple of vintages. Although maybe that’s just me, today. Still a top wine though. Rated : 92 Points Tasted : Mar10 Alcohol : 12.5% Price : $25 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2010 - 2015 Gary Walsh; The Wine Front