In this Saturday’s VINTAGES release, we have a perennial LCBO favourite to share with you. The Loan Special Reserve Unwooded Semillon 2005 is back, and is still a tremendous value. The wine was made from certified organic, dry farmed and hand-harvested fruit on the Loan estate in Australia’s Barossa Valley. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks, and has never seen any wood. It has been ageing gracefully in bottle for 9 years and is an incredible value at only $16.95! Critics have been getting excited about it, as you can see from the two 90 point scores it received below! Bottled aged Semillon is an Aussie classic, don’t miss out!
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TASTING NOTES
Loan Wines Special Reserve Unwooded Semillon 2005
“The previous vintage of this wine was also a spectacular value, and one wonders how you can get so much flavour in a wine for $17. Admittedly the flavour profile won’t appeal to all – this has intriguing full butter shortbread cookie, dried melon and green fig flavours among many others, and there’s a miraculous leanness and freshness overtop a fleshy, substantial frame – that’s the magic of aged semillon in the Australian (Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley) style. Terrific length, too. This is well worth a look for fans of original, regional specialties. Tasted July 2014. Value Rating: ***” Score: 90 (John Szabo, MS, Wine Align, July 2014)
“Unwooded Seductively different! Incredible that there’s no oak on this wine as there’s generous smoky notes on the nose and finish. This actually comes from the unique character of the semillon grape. Rich and full-bodied with lanoline and lemon. Try this distinctively different and delightful white wine with smoked salmon or chicken. Finishes with lanolin, lemon wax and butternut squash. Wow. Semillon food pairings: planked or smoked fish, antipasti, poultry, pasta.” Score: 90 (Natalie MacLean, Aug 2, 2014)
Varietal: 100% Semillon
Region: Barossa Valley, Australia
Price: $16.95 (per bottle)
LCBO#: 301127
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I have been a big fan of previous vintages of this wine. It’s great value, well made and unlike anything else.
Glad you like it Malcolm. I’m really happy that it’s so widely available, so that people across Ontario can try it out!