2012 The Islander Estate Wally White Semillon

This wine is produced from Estate fruit, fermented in barrel and sees extended time in French oak and time on lees, in addition the wine is 14% alcohol whereas typical Australian examples of the variety weigh in closer to 11%. As expected this is a completely different expression of the variety, however on the nose there is still the lanolin and bees wax one would expect that is joined by richer vanillin oak and rockmelon characters.

The wine has the weight and structure you would expect from it’s time in oak and moderate alcohol, being more Chardonnay like in structure. It’s hard to describe the fruit spectrum on display with stone fruit and citrus hard to discern, but there is certainly an enjoyable honeyed character. There is textural grip that informs the finish with a firmness and astringency that is a formidable counterpoint to the elegant oak. This wine will reward time.