Wednesday, December 23, 2009

HENSCHKE LOUIS SEMILLON 2008

- Eden Valley, SA
- $17-$24
- Screwcap
- 13.5%alc

Alongside names like Peter Lehmann, St Hallett, Rockford and Burge Family Winemakers; Henschke is among a motivated bunch of Barossa region producers making serious inroads into the Hunter Valley's long held dominance of semillon. Henschke's Louis is made from the best parcels of fruit from the family's 50 year old semillon vineyard in the Eden Valley.

A little shy on the nose initially, the 2008 Louis opens to reveal a herbal presence of gooseberry and melon fruits with grilled nut overtones. Rather languid and rich yet fluid, its mineral infused palate announces clean and clear lemon citrus flavours, which evolve in a more savoury fashion with lingering notes of herb and a defining smoky aspect, before being punctuated beautifully by delightfully taut and regional, chalky acids.

ü+ Although it might not set the Tyrrells' or Thomas' of this world running in fear, Henschke's 2008 Louis is yet another wine worth sourcing out for anyone interested in discovering South Australian semillon. Fans of Eden Valley wine should appreciate its distinctive backbone, just as I did. Drink to 2015.
92 points


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