The name Pokolbin as legend has it, is derived from the early Hungarian migrant settlers to the area and means ’hot as hell’ or ’hell hole’, referring to the hot, dry and  sometimes inhospitable summers that regularly top 45º C. The wine is made from fruit harvested off a mature Semillon block on the low yielding, ’Leonard’ Estate vineyard in Pokolbin.

The 2008 vintage was very cool and wet, the perfect conditions to make long aging Semillon. Pokolbin had received over 200mm of rainfall in the first 6 weeks of 2008, also making it one of the wettest vintages for quite a while. Very pale in colour with vibrant, zesty lemon on the nose.  The lemon carries onto the palate with a hint of tropical fruit as well. The palate has great line and length that screams Semillon. The real feature of this wine is its acid structure that will see it improve for many years to come. It is said all too frequently, but this is Classic Hunter Semillon. Cellaring: Long term. 10 years.

Here we are in May 2008 and the odd 2008 wine is already rolling in for review - and when they are as good as this, there are no complaints from me. The 2008 Hunter season was shockingly cold and wet, and for some perverse reason that often means that the semillon turns out excellent. I believe this has. This is very acidic and lemony but it is long and pristine too, with the odd flash of white flowers floating through the wine's aromatics. It's is very young, but very good. Drink: 2010-2018. 94 points. Campbell Mattinson - The Wine front - 28th May 2008

Typical young semillon, the bouquet locked up, but the wine springs to life on the palate, with grainy, zesty lemon-accented fruit. The future is assured. Screwcap. 10.5º alc. Rating 93. James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion July 2008

A pristine lemon and grass expression here, relly bright and effusive savoury citrus notes. The palate brings some crisp green lemon and faint tropical fruits in the background, fine acidity, super fresh and tidy through the finish. Score 91. Nick Stock - 2009 Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide