Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Some might say that it's eighteenth time lucky. Not that Grosset's previous vintages of this classy blend of Clare Valley semillon and Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc have fallen short of the mark. The wine is regarded by many pundits as one of Australia's best examples of the style (some say pre-eminent) and, at least, the major challenger to the dominance of this market segment by so many Western Australian (and especially Margaret River) wineries. What Jeff, and the team at the winery, are thinking - but hardly dare to say - is that this is the ultimate expression of the style, the best vintage yet.

The 2008 Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is still incredibly youthful and so has quite restrained aromatics yet intense, pristine flavours of white peach, nectarine and passionfruit and zesty, slately minerality on an attractive lingering finish of considerable length. Although the wine is quite unevolved at present, there is complexity, finesse, tangy fruit purity and succulence all of which combine to deliver a delicious white that offers moments of rare joy.

General Cellaring Guide: Up to 5 years, more a drink now style of wine.

James Halliday

The Weekend Australian Magazine June 13-14, 2009

Wine

Jeffrey Grosset could well afford to make a Clare Valley semillon and an Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc as two wines, but clearly believes the blend is synergistic. And indeed it is a totally delicious and beautifully moulded mouthful of wine, the two components seamlessly woven in a citrus/stone fruit web tied up by gentle acidity. Screwcap; 13%alc/vol; to 2012.

Rating: 95

Max Allen
The Weekend Australian Magazine 'Wine' August 23-24 2008
Grosset's rieslings are rightly considered to be among Australia's very best - if not the best - and the 2008s (released next month) are terrific, but right now this wine is far more delicious: gorgeous, lemony, complex and mouthwatering.

Tyson Stelzer
WBM100 February 2009
Semillon & Blends 1 in 100
The Clare Valley Semillon leads the flavour profile here, supported by Adelaide Hills Sauvignon. The result has great intensity and weight, but also freshness and balance, melding flavours of grass, lanolin and nuts with tight, lemony acidity. There's a lemon blossom lift to the palate, giving it delicacy in the midst of fantastic flavour concentration.
92 points