The Hunter Valley is recognised as the world’s leader in dry white wines made from Semillon. Semillon is at its delicate best when young, it is deliciously crisp with abundant citrus aromas. With age Hunter Valley Semillon develops unique complex toast, vanilla and honey flavours, giving it depth and richness. This collection will take you on a journey featuring 3 bottles each from 4 renowned Hunter Valley producers.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        De Iuliis Hunter Valley Semillon 2022
3 bottles        Mcguigan The Shortlist Semillon 2019
3 bottles        Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Single Vineyard Semillon 2021
3 bottles        Brokenwood Hunter Valley Semillon 2023

De Iuliis Hunter Valley Semillon 2022
It's the entry point semillon for De Iuliis, but it's far from disgraced. The vintage had numerous challenges, but such is life in the Hunter Valley. This wine has two halves: the first is little to see, smell or taste, the second half an explosion of lemon, lime and acidity. Drink to: 2024; Price: $25.00; Date Tasted: August 2022; Alcohol: 11.5%; Rating: 93 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday; Wine Companion

Mcguigan The Shortlist Semillon 2019
A classic Hunter Valley semillon right here with early-picked fruit, lowish alcohol, fermentation in stainless steel tanks with aromatic yeast and little else. Sings from the hymn book. Straw-green in hue. Beautiful aromatics of spring blossom and jasmine, lemon curd, nashi pear. Fruit purity is maintained throughout. Zesty, lemony acidity refreshes. Drink to: 2030; Price: $30.00; Date Tasted: January 202; Alcohol: 11.3%; Rating: 94 Points & Special Value Star; Jeni Port; James Halliday Wine Companion

Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Single Vineyard Semillon 2021
I adore the sentiment behind this, but the textural build has been pushed radically. Watch the neighbours! But, I love this. A sign of the future rather than the past. A bright one! Scents of tatami, porcini, lanolin, citrus peel, glazed quince and gin and tonic. White pepper, again. Delicious. Rich for the idiom. Palate-staining finish. Thoroughly impressive. Drink to: 2033; Price: $45.00; Alcohol: 11.8%; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Brokenwood Hunter Valley Semillon 2023
The mown grass, herbs and spring flowers of the bouquet don't prepare you for the depth and generosity of the Meyer lemon and (even) spice of the palate. Good now, but there's plenty waiting down the years. Date: Aug 2023; Alcohol: 11%; Price: $28.00; Drink by: 2038; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion