Clonakilla Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Canberra district, NSW)
$20, Screwcap, 12%
Source:Retail
www.clonakilla.com.au

This was a box filler in my pack from Clonakilla, included as a curio as it’s the only wine in the lineup i’ve not tried. Picked early, the style here is crisp, dry and built, in Tim Kirk’s words, as “an aperitif for after work”.

As an aperitif though, this wine is just a bit too dry, lean and simple. It smells, Riesling-like, of acidity. Acid and citrussy, green, early picked fruit. It’s not unripe, but it just flows in a very linear, tight and ungiving style that leaves you ultimately wanting more.

A well made, crisp wine no question, but just lacking character. 16.5/88