Elizabeth is a classic Hunter Valley white which has established itself as one of Australia's benchmark Semillon. Named in commemoration of the first ever visit to Australia by a reigning monarch in 1954, Elizabeth has claimed over fifty trophies and multi gold throughout it's long and illustrious history. Originally released in 1967 under the label Hunter Riesling, Elizabeth today stands as a praiseworthy and approachable example of the uniquely Hunter Valley Semillon style.
The superlative Mount Pleasant vineyard was established in 1921 by the legendary winemaker Maurice O'Shea who recognised the special characteristics and longevity of Hunter Valley table wines. The grapes are picked early in the morning to retain fruit freshness and quality. Bunches are gently destemmed and lightly crushed, the must is chilled and juices drained off, handled in a manner to eliminate oxidation. Juices are cold fermented over the course of a fortnight before being treated to a minimal lees contact. Assembled and filtered, stabilised and promptly bottled, interference with the natural vinification process is kept to a minimum, contributing to the retention of fresh fruit characters.
Pale straw hue. Elizabeth exhibits qualities of the finest Semillon when young, aromas of citrus are met by hints of vanilla and freshly cut hay. A palate of citrus, fresh lemon and limes, the back palate reveals the beginnings of distinctive Hunter Semillon characters, toastyness and nut, caramel and lanolin. The texture is light, bright and pure with a fresh line of acidity along the palate, leading to a fresh, dry and seamless finish.
