Margan Family Hunter Valley Semillon 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Semillon from the Hunter Valley in Australia that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the February 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Margan Wines was established in 1996 by Lisa and Andrew Margan in the picturesque Broke Fordwich wine region of Hunter Valley. Prior to establishing Margan Wines, Andrew learned the art of grape growing and winemaking at Tyrrell's for 20 years, along with working as a flying winemaker in France. Together with his wife, Lisa, the Margans have evolved to become the leading winery in the Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley.

Today, they have over 100 hectares of quality vineyards, some of which were planted in the late 1960s. All of the wines are single vineyard, Estate Grown wines that are hand-crafted at the Estate by Andrew. The uniquely-styled wines of Margan are strongly defined by the climate of the Hunter Valley and the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fordwich Sill which run through the area. These soils are free-draining, but the soils cell structure absorbs moisture quickly and releases it slowly, a beneficial feature for inland, high-latitude (32.5 degrees South) regions such as Broke Fordwich. These free-draining, alluvial soils and sandy loams also produce particularly fine Semillon - the variety for which the Hunter Valley is best known.

Environmentally sustainable practices are a core value at Margan Wines. They are fully accredited with sustainable winegrowing Australia and committed to looking after the land and be sustainable for generations to come. They have many sustainability initiatives at the winery and restaurant - too numerous to mention here - and are also looking to become carbon neutral.

I have enjoyed Hunter Valley Semillon for many years now. They can be enjoyed young, but are best with some age on them. Let's see how this Semillon is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MARGAN FAMILY HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLON 2018 - Estate grown, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#493338) (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. From 40 year old, low-yielding and mature vines grown on the red volcanic soils of the ancient Fordwich Sill, the medium-high intensity nose is elegant with distinctive lanolin, earthy mineral, grapefruit citrus, lemon, and floral aromas. It's light-to-medium bodied on the dry, racy palate with bright acidity and flavours of lanolin, citrus, floral, and touches of herb. Very good length with citrus, herb, earthy mineral notes lingering on the juicy finish. Enjoyable now, but I would cellar this for 5 years to allow for additional complexities to develop. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from the Margan Family can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.