1998 Penfolds Adelaide Hills Semillon

BACKGROUNDIn the pursuit of the ultimate white wine, Penfolds conducted a number of trials, all with different variables to ascertain which combination produced the best results. In the case of this wine, the trial was to use a single district but from within that district a number of different vineyards. The strategy was to maximize complexity of flavour. The first vintage was the 1995 wine, released in 1997. The wine underwent barrel fermentation, and spent three months on yeast lees in new and used French oak, and subsequently went through 100% malolatic fermentation.

VINTAGE CONDITIONSAn excellent vintage in the Adelaide Hills. A cool summer was followed by a spell of warm weather in March and April. Fruit, sugar and acid balances were superb.

TASTING NOTEPale straw colour, with green edges. Subtle nose, with delicate use of oak. Aroma of tropical fruit, delicate toasted oak with some herbaceous end notes. On the palate the flavours of ‘snow pea’ over a grassy, herbaceous background. Sancerre like, very similar to the 1994, with crisp acid finish. Cellar 3-4 years.

RATING: 86/100

VALUE: XXX/5