Charteris 2023 Pokolbin Selection Semillon: A Hunter Valley Gem

Charteris 2023 Pokolbin Selection Semillon

Charteris Wines 2023 Pokolbin Selection Semillon

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its world-class Semillon, and the 2023 Charteris Pokolbin Selection Semillon is a shining example of this iconic style. Crafted from carefully selected fruit, this wine captures the essence of the Hunter Valley’s unique terroir and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Charteris team. With its vibrant acidity, complex aromatics, and exceptional aging potential, this Semillon is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

A Vintage to Remember

The 2023 vintage in the Hunter Valley was exceptional, with cool, dry conditions and a slower ripening period that allowed the Semillon grapes to develop remarkable depth of flavour and retain excellent acidity. The fruit for this wine was hand-picked on 10th February 2023 from the Ernest Hill Vineyard, a site with 50-year-old vines planted on an east-facing hillside with red cracking clay loam soils. While these soils can be challenging for Semillon, they have produced a wine of remarkable balance and harmony in 2023.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavours and Aromas

The 2023 Charteris Pokolbin Selection Semillon is a wine that delights the senses from the very first pour. In the glass, it presents a pale, almost luminous straw colour, hinting at the vibrancy within. On the nose, this Semillon is an aromatic powerhouse, offering a complex bouquet of Persian lime, lemon drops, and pithy grapefruit, intertwined with delicate white lily florals, lemon blossom, and a faint hint of jasmine. The background aromatics reveal layers of bath salt, mineral talc, and a subtle note of a London Dry Martini with a twist of lime, adding to the wine’s immense yet subtle aromatic depth.

On the palate, this Semillon is pristine and pure, with a saline quality that enhances its refreshing nature. The flavours of lime and yuzu are beautifully balanced by a crystalline acidity that is almost quartz-like in its precision. Despite its vibrant acidity, the wine also has a subtle fruit volume that gives it a juicy, moreish quality. The finish is long and persistent, promising at least 10 years of aging potential in the cellar.

Food Pairing: Elevating the Experience

The 2023 Charteris Pokolbin Selection Semillon is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of seafood dishes. Its bright acidity and citrus notes make it a perfect match for Hiramasa Kingfish ceviche, where the wine’s freshness can cut through the richness of the fish while enhancing its delicate flavours.

For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving this Semillon with Singapore chilli crab. The wine’s acidity and mineral qualities will complement the spicy, tangy sauce, while its subtle fruit flavours provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s richness.

If you’re looking for a simpler yet equally satisfying pairing, try this Semillon with grilled crayfish tails and a generous helping of aioli. The wine’s saline purity and citrus-driven profile will enhance the sweetness of the crayfish, while the aioli adds a creamy contrast that makes for a harmonious match.

Aging Potential: Built to Last

While the 2023 Charteris Pokolbin Selection Semillon is already a delight to drink, it is also a wine that will reward patience. With its vibrant acidity and depth of flavour, this Semillon has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next decade or more. As it ages, the wine will develop further complexity, with the citrus and floral notes softening into richer, honeyed characteristics, while retaining its signature freshness and minerality.

A Semillon to Savour

The 2023 Charteris Pokolbin Selection Semillon is a wine that exemplifies the best of Hunter Valley winemaking. It captures the unique qualities of the region’s terroir, while showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that Charteris is known for. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this Semillon is a wine that will inform, educate, and entertain your palate, offering a true taste of Hunter Valley excellence.

For those who appreciate the elegance and complexity of Semillon, the 2023 Charteris Pokolbin Selection is a must-have addition to your collection. It is a wine that will not only enhance your dining experiences but also provide years of enjoyment as it evolves and matures in the cellar.