Brokenwood Stanleigh Park Semillon 2013

Winemaking and Drinking

Brokenwood Wines, a renowned Australian winery, has built its reputation on producing some of the finest wines in the world, with a particular emphasis on Semillon. Among its distinguished portfolio, the Brokenwood Stanleigh Park Semillon 2013 stands out as a testament to the winery's commitment to quality and tradition.

Origins and Vineyard

The story of Brokenwood Wines began in 1970 when a trio of Sydney based solicitors purchased a block of land in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Their vision was to create exceptional wines that reflected the unique terroir of the region. Over the years, Brokenwood expanded its vineyards and its expertise, becoming one of Australia's most respected wineries.

The Stanleigh Park vineyard, from which the 2013 Semillon is sourced, is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. This vineyard is particularly notable for its sandy loam soils and moderate climate, which are ideal for growing Semillon grapes. The Hunter Valley's long, warm summers and mild winters, combined with the careful management of the vineyard, result in grapes that are perfectly suited to producing high-quality Semillon.

Winemaking 

The 2013 vintage was a standout year for the Hunter Valley, characterized by excellent growing conditions that led to grapes of exceptional quality. The winemaking process for the Brokenwood Stanleigh Park Semillon is meticulous. The grapes are handpicked in the early morning to preserve their freshness. They are then gently pressed, and the juice is cold-settled to retain its natural acidity and vibrant fruit flavors.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to ensure that the wine maintains its purity and freshness. The wine is then carefully bottled to preserve its delicate characteristics. No oak aging is involved, allowing the true expression of the Semillon grape and the Hunter Valley terroir to shine through.

Tasting Notes

The Brokenwood Stanleigh Park Semillon 2013 is a wine of remarkable finesse and elegance. In the glass, it displays a pale straw color with green hues, indicative of its youth and vibrancy. On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of lemon zest, lime blossom, and green apple, complemented by subtle notes of honeysuckle and wet stone.

On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a zesty acidity that balances beautifully with its fruit flavors. The citrus notes are dominant, with lemon and lime leading the charge, followed by hints of grapefruit and white peach. There is a distinctive minerality that adds complexity and depth to the wine, along with a lingering, clean finish that leaves the palate invigorated.

Awards and Recognition

The Brokenwood Stanleigh Park Semillon 2013 has garnered significant acclaim both domestically and internationally. Among its notable awards are:

• Gold Medal at the Hunter Valley Wine Show: Recognizing its excellence and outstanding representation of the region.
• Trophy for Best Semillon at the Sydney Royal Wine Show: Highlighting its superior quality among a competitive field.
• Platinum Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards: A prestigious international accolade that underscores its global appeal and exceptional craftsmanship.

These awards reflect the wine's exceptional quality and the meticulous attention to detail in its production.

The Brokenwood Stanleigh Park Semillon 2013 is a shining example of the potential of Hunter Valley Semillon. Its origins in the carefully tended vineyards of Stanleigh Park, combined with the skillful winemaking techniques of Brokenwood Wines, result in a wine that is both a joy to drink now and capable of aging gracefully for many years.