Brokenwood Wines 2018 ILR Reserve Semillon

Here’s the deal with Brokenwood’s 2018 ILR Reserve Semillon: it practically struts into the room with a swagger that says, “Yeah, I know I’m special.” If wine has a celebrity equivalent, this one’s the A-lister that doesn’t need a red carpet.

First off, let’s not pretend this is something for the pretentious. This is Semillon that shows its age-six years in now, and it rocks a rather sexy hue that merges yellow with a hint of green. It’s like that friend who’s aged like fine cheese, still youthful but with just enough character to keep you intrigued. The nose rolls up to you with a gentle bouquet that whispers of brioche and toast, sweet enough to make your taste buds stand at attention, all while casually teasing you with hints of lemon curd and floral notes. Plus, it’s even starting to flirt with that gorgeous beeswax aroma-the kind that makes you want to dive right in.

Now, the palate? Oh, mate, that’s where the real action happens. Imagine squeezing a fresh Tahitian lime straight into your mouth and following it up with a bite of key-lime pie. It’s like a citrus assault that’s softened up with a creamy texture, dancing around your tongue like an over-caffeinated kid in a candy store. And get this: the acidity, oh sweet Jesus, it’s alive! It’s fresh but not obnoxiously so, giving your senses a good slap while still managing a delicate balance. No oak here trying to shove its way in-this baby is all about the purity of Semillon, strutting its stuff without any additives drowning the beauty.

If you’re picturing sipping this with a plate of shellfish, then gold star for you. You could drink it with freshly shucked oysters and feel like a damn connoisseur. Or hell, make it your go-to for that spicy Asian takeaway you grab after a long week. It’s adaptable like that, ready to elevate your Friday night dining experience from “meh” to “holy sh*t, why haven’t I made this my life goal?”

Here’s the kicker: not only is this wine a showstopper now, but it also knows how to age like a fine piece of beef. It’s fine right this minute, but give it a few more years, and you’ll thank me when you pop a bottle that’s even more complex and downright decadent.

Let’s talk about where this bottle comes from-Oakey Creek Vineyard in Pokolbin, the heart of Hunter Valley. The grapes were hand-picked like they were delicate pieces of artwork. You can practically hear the love and care that went into every bunch. Skip all that talk of how wine is “meticulously crafted” or whatever-this is simply about getting it right in a place that knows its stuff, plain and simple.

So, is this reserve Semillon worth the hype? You bet your ass it is. Grab a bottle, pour it generously, and bask in the glory of what it means to drink good wine without needing a degree in viticulture to enjoy it. Here’s to Brokenwood-an unapologetic expression of Semillon that laughs in the face of wine snobbery. Cheers!

« GO HOME