Morandé, Terrarum Patrimonial Sémillon 2022

(2023) I have to say this is very much a wine geeks wine, and with its story, quite a bargain. Fruit is from 100-year-old Semillon vines in Maule, planted originally when Bordeaux varieties first arrived in the country. It comes from the 'Secano' regions of unirrigated vines, 25% fermented in cement eggs with skins, the remainder in stainless steel. The blend was then aged in a combination of steel and large, French oak 'foudre'. The nose has something of a Sauvignon Blanc character, but layered with a waxiness and lots of lemon and lanolin. A tiny hint of residual sugar adds weight to the sweet, honeyed fruit of the palate, which has plenty of texture and ripe juicy fruit that moves from peach into lemons. A really nice wine this, which has just gone in to Waitrose stores at time of review. Watch the video for more information.