Tyrrell's Pokolbin Semillon is made from grapes grown in the very same vineyard as the Classified ‘Outstanding’ Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon. Vat 1 originates from three distinctive blocks with the potential for limitless possibility. Instead of harvesting the fruit from the Vat 1 vineyard all at once, winemakers Andrew Spinaze and Chris Tyrrell picked the third block at a different time, fermenting it separately. Once bottled, it was cellared in secret, and the team watched it evolve. The Pokolbin Semillon was born.
‘…a wine that is truly outstanding.’
- Pierre Durand, Langton’s Brokerage Head of Sales
Of a different style to the legendary Vat 1, this aged Semillon has plenty of life left in it–at least 10, in fact. Langton’s Brokerage Head of Sales Pierre Durand describes it as, ’What premium Semillon should taste like.’ It drinks like a baby brother to Vat 1—the flagship Semillon of Tyrrell’s stable—at less than half the RRP.
The Hunter Valley is the most important quality wine-producing region in New South Wales, even though it represents only a fraction of the state’s production. Established in the early 1800s, the first vignerons recognised that the coastal fringe north of Sydney was too wet and humid for viable viticulture and thus took the decision to move into the hinterland. Although the region can be particularly hot, the cloud and rainfall patterns significantly modify the microclimate. The Hunter Valley is maritime influenced, with afternoon sea breezes funnelling up through the Hunter River and Goulburn River gap. Rainfall is very erratic and can arrive at the most inopportune time. Soils are generally rich volcanic and alluvial. The best vineyard sites are located within sight of the imposing Brokenback Range that is exposed to the cool sea breezes. Further inland, the maritime influence gives way to a greater degree of continentality. The Hunter Valley is best known for exceptional age-worthy Semillon and fresh savoury medium-bodied Shiraz, although Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay also perform well.
