The grapes come from Neil Stevens’ Glenoak Vineyard, the vines planted between 1911 and 1965. Small wonder the wine has collected so many trophies and gold medals. Gloriously delineated, the finesse of the wine is extraordinary, as is its youth and length. Descriptors are, in fact, redundant; just accept its greatness. From Lower Hunter Valley; Drink to 2030 with trout mousse; 97 points, $25, Screwcap, 11.4% alc; Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009 – The Weekend Australian November 14-15, 2009

Pale colour, vibrant hue; tightly wound and completely pristine and unevolved, with lemon sherbet and the merest suggestion of straw; the palate is coiled and ungiving, but the potential is palpable, as the flavour lingers with attractive texture for a very long time. Screwcap. 11.4% alc. Rating 96 Points Drink 2025 $30 Date Tasted Feb 09 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion
 
Sourced from Neil Stevens’ Glenoak vineyard in Pokolbin, regarded as one of the finest white vineyards in the Hunter Valley. The oldest block was planted in 1911 ranging through to the youngest block planted in 1965. A predominantly hillside vineyard that features rich and unusually coloured purple ochred clay loams.
 
A dry winter with some late spring rains that reduced the size of the crop. Some rain through mid to late December filled out the bunches and was followed by a dry harvesting period which gave us a smaller crop but with more concentrated flavours. After a relatively cool fermentation, the wine spent minimal time on yeast lees and was quickly bottled to maintain its freshness. No oak fermentation or maturation. Alc 11.0%
 
Slightly more rounded and softer than the 2004 vintage, the 2005 has complex mineral and flint aromas with a palate that has good length and wonderful balance between the fresh citrus flavours of youth and the aged 'toasty' characters beginning to surface. The 2005 vintage has been awarded 8 Gold medals.
 
Australian White Trophy - International Wine Competition London 2009
International Semillon Trophy - International Wine Competition London 2009
Australian Semillon Trophy - International Wine Competition London 2009
Hunter Valley Semillon Trophy - International Wine Competition London 2009
Gold Medal - Sydney 2009
Gold Medal - Canberra 2008
Gold Medal - Melbourne 2008
Gold Medal - Brisbane 2005
Gold Medal - Canberra 2005
Gold Medal - Canberra 2006
Gold Medal - Hunter Valley 2006
Gold Medal - Melbourne 2005