Pepper Tree's Hunter Valley vineyard is in the Mount View area of the Lower Hunter Valley in the sheltered foothills of the Brokenback Range and covers 38.5 ha of plantings. The area boasts highly favourable soils influenced by the large proportion of limestone in the underlying rocks. Alluvial loams along the vineyard's creek flats are ideal soils for Semillon. The distinctive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from a vineyard in the Marlborough region at the tip of the South Island. NZ’s cool maritime climate allows grapes to ripen slowly, creating wines of elegance and finesse.
Good early season rains followed a very early budburst in late August with even growing conditions continuing until Christmas. Ripening commenced in mid December and with the very low seasonal crop levels the harvest was the earliest for many years. All major varieties were picked before the first rains in late January.
This has been going on for a little while now and frankly given the success and common sense of this blend, I am surprised there isn't a lot more of this going on. Jim Chatto combines about two-thirds quality Hunter Semillon which provides the structural balance of the wine with one third (35% to be exact) Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc which brings to the table the tropical notes of passionfruit and gooseberry with which we associate from the region. The result is a very easy to drink summer style with more than a touch of complexity and interest. Excellent stuff! Drink: Now; BW; WineStar© August 2011
Intense aromas of passionfruit and gooseberry with citrus lift. A classically expressive blend combining perfectly the tropical high notes of Sauvignon Blanc with the wonderful length and definition of Semillon. A vibrant and lively well balanced palate with a long and crisp finish. Winemaker Jim Chatto
The best of two worlds? If you can’t beat them, join them. Well, yes. The super-fragrant bouquet is all Marlborough, with passionfruit and kiwifruit to the fore, then semillon swings into action on the intense and long palate, ending up with a wine you wish to drink, not sip. Punches way above its price weight. Price: $18.00; Alcohol: 11.5%; 95 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion
Add the definition and crunch of Hunter semillon to the fullness and punchiness of Marlborough sauvignon and you've invented a sure-fire best-seller! Especially when it's as vibrant, zesty and fruity as this. 91 Points; Tyson Stelzer