Still pale and bright; small wonder it has such a spectacular show record (9 golds stretching from 2002-07); it has the feminine delicacy of all great Hunter semillons yet has layer-upon-layer of flavour in a seamless mix of lemon honey and acidity toasty notes yet to come...

Long smooth and savoury with a lightly toasty and honeyed fragrance of lemon and melon waxy floral nuances and smoky meaty undertones. It's surprisingly juicy and generous but doesn't sacrifice any shape and elegance culminating in a savoury nougat-like finish with lingering lemony fruit and suggestions of tobacco. A classic regional style.

While consumers are waiting for the 2009 Vat 1 to be released (not to mention approachable) the 2002 Vat 1 (their last vintage under cork) is beginning to come into its drinking window now: Intense complex nose with notes of beeswax earth chalk lime cordial lemon curd peach juice with a tropical / soursop juice edge and a compelling whiff of aromatics. Crisp great concentration with a light bodied palate. Very minerally very long in the finish. Drink now to 2020.