2019 Semillon

Whitehall Lane is proud to introduce its first ever single bottling of Semillon. Semillon is typically a blender in Bordeaux whites, a powerful dessert wine from the Sauternes region of France, or a singular wine from the Hunter Valley of Australia. This Semillon was whole-cluster pressed, then sent to neutral French oak barrels for a native yeast fermentation. Once the barrel fermentation finishes, we allow the wine to age sur lies (on the lees) and perform battonage (stirring) for four months. The stirring of the barrels promotes mid-palate enhancement and texture building within the wine. At blending, a portion of Sauvignon Blanc was blended back to balance out the Semillon and create a unique palate and finish.

The 2019 vintage was a near perfect growing season! Bud break began in late March, leading to a Spring that had few showers and was relatively dry. Summer was also quite warm and long, leading into a steady Autumn harvest season. The consistent summer and fall weather encouraged our Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes to ripen in late August to early-September.