Kaesler Old Vine Semillon 2005
Region: Barossa Valley
Winery: Kaesler
Variety: Semillon

Semillon is the workhorse variety, not only for the Barossa but for Australia. It never
ceases to amaze us how many wineries balk at labelling a wine Semillon, and prefer
to call it “Classic Dry White” or something to that effect. The ultimate result is a
cepage that is a refugee, in exile in the white wine market that it essentially built. It
will have its day in the sun again, and all the Viogniers, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon
Blancs will bow at its feet once more.
Kaesler Semillon reflects some of Reid Bosward’s winemaking past. He cut his teeth at
Tyrrells, had a stint in the Graves, and then finally settled in the Barossa. The Hunter
teaches you about acid, balance and respect for its more subtle characteristics, not to
mention its ability to age. Graves teaches you how too work a style, literally adding
the wine makers spin. The Barossa offers an opportunity that allows one to knits these
lessons together, and come up with a style that is tasty when young, but will also offer
some interest as it ages.
The 2005 harvest was left to hang a little longer than normal, with that we have
crafted a style that is a little more forward and rich than usual. That said it still has a
good 10 years if your keen.
Colour: lean with a lovely green edge and centre
Nose: Leaves, green apples, and little bit of asparagus and green capsicum. Quite
forward for our style.
Palate: Picked slightly riper than usual, the alcohol is higher resulting in a more
forward, “easier to drink when young” kind of style. It should still age reasonably well
in the medium term (5-8 years).
Notes: Semillon is the second most widely planted variety in Australia, it has the
highest average vine age and is planted in some of the more diverse corners and wine
regions. It makes our longest lasing wines, and internationally is the most coveted of
all our white wines by overseas wine critics, yes even before Chardonnay and Riesling.
Age of vines: Estate plantings established in 1961
Alc: 13.0%
TA: 5.80 g/1
pH: 3.31

Posted by jasongeiger22 on April 5th, 2008 at 5:55pm | report comment