In the glass: Vibrant deep purple. On the nose: Blackberry, black cherry, plum, pepper and earth.On the palate: An elegant Gold medal winner with a velvety mouthfeel, intense and juicy layers of black fruits and peppery spice with seasoned oak and fine tannins.

Elizabeth Semillon was first made by Mount Pleasant in 1967. Named for Her Majesty and inspired by the first royal visit to Australia in 1954, its appropriate that age only adds to this classic Hunter Valley Semillons character and class. This really is something special- James Halliday on the 2010 vintage Grapefruit and cut grass greet the nose, and the palate is at once energetic and fleshy, a stream of fine acidity lending freshness. Elizabeth is built for the ages, and will evolve gracefully with careful cellaring.

Floral fruit in youth, moving towards biscuity characters with age. A generally softer bodied palate with smoother acids than the Vat 1 and Belford Semillons.

A different expression altogether sans the benefit of bottle age. Youthful. Zesty. Punchy. As filigreed of talcy acidity and fine boned as the rest of the crew, this is guava, lemon grass and sherbet, teeming along a line of candied citrus chew. The wine will blossom in the medium term, but will not shy away from some aged furrows and complexity. Alcohol: 12%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Jan 2018. Drink by: 2029. Price: $35. Rating: 94/100.

The Italian grape, Fiano, is one of Australia's key alternate grape varieties. It is perfectly suited to the climate of the Hunter Valley. An unwooded style, the wine has intense varietal characteristics with aromas of pear and spice. The palate is perfectly balanced between fruit intensity and textural elements from the solids ferment, with a brisk acidity. A food friendly wine ready for immediate enjoyment. A rising star of the Hunter.

Vintage 2021 Region Hunter/Hilltops, NSW. This year's wine is inspired by the classic Alsatian white wines of France, wines that are fruit driven and often a sweet touch. A blend of Semillon, Riesling and Arneis produces a foral driven nose, middle palate sweetness with a crisp citrus finish. A perfect match for cheese and fresh seafood. Drink well chilled.

The 2019 Silkman Estate Semillon is clean fresh and modern. The nose is full of lemon, pink grapefruit and fresh cut hay. The palate reflects the nose with citrus and a touch of salinity. This wine will age well and pairs perfectly with a roast chicken.