New World: Semillon & Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Gold 1 Silver 3 Bronze 2 Commended 6
2017 Gold 1 Silver 4 Bronze 0 Commended 6
Ah, Semillon. It seems to be a variety that bemuses our tasters. Some of them love it, others hate it or admit to barely understanding it. Opinions as to whether it improves Sauvignon or whether both varieties are better on their own fly around the Sommelier Wine Awards tasting like bats on a summer’s evening.
We generally get a mix of everything in here and that was the case again this year. We even had a wine with 10 years of age, which made for a nice treat. What we didn’t get was a massive entry, sadly, which explains the ‘OK but not amazing’ medal count.
Interestingly (indeed, incredibly), this was the third year on the trot that our single Gold-Listed wine came from South Africa rather than Australia. We’re sure the Saffers are far too courteous to mention that to their New World counterparts the next time they see them.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘We had the very lean and light, crisp examples here, but then also the more heavily oaked style that was often lacking a bit in balance and freshness.’ Olivier Gasselin, Hakkasan
‘If Sauvignon Blanc is too much – for example with food – then these Semillon/Sauvignon Blancs can be a better choice.’ Sarah Jane Evans MW, team leader
‘We saw lots of cabbage and asparagus notes. I was expecting more fruity styles, and even those off-dry, full-bodied styles of Semillon.’ Masahito Suzuki, The Social Company
‘I struggled to find any shining examples of what is a very recognised blend, whether it’s from Margaret River or Adelaide Hills.’ Martin Lam, team leader
‘The ones we liked were benchmark Semillon – lime fruit with some soft smoke and nice acidity.’ Davide Dall’Amico, Royal Automobile Club