2023 1899 Old Vines Vineyard Semillon

Brokenwood’s second release of this single vineyard wine, which is crafted from grapes sourced from arguably the oldest Semillon vineyard in the region. This Heritage Vineyard has consistently produced outstanding Hunter Valley Semillon since it was planted in 1899. The 1.17Ha vineyard is located directly opposite Brokenwood’s Oakey Creek Vineyard and is on similar free draining, alluvial soil. Our third consecutive wet year, La Nina continued to make herself known through the first three quarters of the year, with widespread floods again experienced across South-Eastern Australia. Up to the 31st of December 2022, we received 1365.5mm of rain, with a total of 97 rainy days at Brokenwood. Pokolbin reached its annual rainfall by the end of June, with 2022 being the wettest year that we have had on record. The start of the growing season was particularly challenging with vineyard access and Downy Mildew pressure a constant issue. Thankfully, the weather cleared up in late October, with relatively benign conditions taking us through the year’s final two months and into January. Fruit condition and canopy were excellent despite the cool summer. This resulted in an incredibly late harvest in the Hunter, with 1899 Old Vines Semillon not being picked until the 7th of February under cool, clear skies.