Jancis Robinson, the world's leading wine critic, recently wrote an article on Australian wine in the Financial Times. Her piece was fairly scathing to say the least.

Looking at it from a ‘workers’ point of view all I can say is WE SURVIVED! As a first timer, I had a preconceived idea of what to expect... what a massive underestimation on my part. This is truly a huge weekend!

"A really dense blackish purple colour to it. Pure concentrated spicy blueberries, blackberries and plums, with underlying game and liquorice as well. Fragrant with a good fresh kick of acidity, the vibrancy and youthfulness of this Hunter Shiraz is really there."

At Wandin Valley we continue to explore the potential of the great hunter white grape variety Semillon. While we have traditionally produced dry, acid driven Semillons with great purity and finesse, we were keen to try as the Germans (and more recently the New Zealanders) do with Riesling, and make a sweeter, low alcohol style.

"Here is Hunter Semillon displaying, as it often does, spicy sauvignon blanc characters that make it ideal for drinking with spring rolls, chicken satay or sweet & sour fish. Wandin Valley winemaker-manager Matt Burton and his team made the wine from grapes bought in from David & Sue Vernon's vineyard on the slopes of Mount View.

The April/May 2009 edition of the Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine featured a comparative tasting of the Hunter Valley's best Semillon. We were chuffed to receive an invitation to submit our Reserve Semillon – and subsequently delighted by the results!