1998 McWilliams Mount Pleasant Museum Elizabeth Semillon

Notes sourced from McWilliam’s

Mount Pleasant is situated on the slopes of the Brokenback Range in the Hunter Valley, NSW. The estate was established in 1921 by the legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea who recognised the special characteristics and longevity of Hunter Valley table wines. To this day, Mount Pleasant continues to bottle-age commercial quantities of wines until they are considered at their peak to release.

1998 was a vintage that was acclaimed Australia wide as one of the best of the 90’s. The growing season began perfectly with excellent soil moisture levels from the summer and autumn of 1997. At the beginning of summer, the conditions in the Hunter developed into a dry and hot growing period. These conditions continued right through harvest resulting in rapid ripening, high sugar levels and fruit with excellent concentration of flavour.

After crushing and de-stemming, the must was chilled and the juice drained off. After cold settling for 48 hours, the clear juice was racked, inoculated with a neutral yeast and allowed to ferment slowly at a cool temperature (14°C) for a period of three weeks. Handling of this wine has been kept to a minimum to protect its delicate, pure fruit flavours.

Mid yellow colour with glowing green hued luminosity. Aroma of citrus rind, lemon and grapefruit with hints of vanilla and toast. The development of classic aged Semillon aromas of honey and toast are evident after eight years bottle age, underscoring the potential longevity of this vintage. Primary fruit flavours of lemon and grapefruit are evident and complemented by a tight acid line. Hints of vanilla and toast on the palate balance perfectly with fresh citrus on the finish. This wine has an
excellent structure and length of flavour.
Drinking well now or can be cellared carefully until 2010.
Alc/Vol: 10.5%