Hunter Valley’s Mount Pleasant and Tyrrell’s celebrate Semillon with London Masters of Wine

The unique Australian Hunter Valley Semillon was showcased by two producers of the varietal, Mount Pleasant (owned by the McWilliam family) and Tyrrell’s at a masterclass for the Institute of Masters of Wine yesterday in London.

This was part of an on ongoing global push by both producers to share the variety, which is rarely seen outside of a blend and is considered one of the wine gifts Australia offers the world.

Hunter Valley Semillon is unlike any other expression of this varietal in the world, thriving in a difficult climate to deliver wines that are low alcohol, possessing high natural acidity, and extreme aging potential. All of this with minimal intervention by winemakers makes this wine a viticultural enigma and the ideal subject for a masterclass held for the members of the Institute of Masters of Wine.

Scott McWilliam, family ambassador for McWilliam’s Wines Group and sixth generation winemaker commented on what it means to be part of this masterclass, not only for Mount Pleasant but for sharing Hunter Valley Semillon to an international audience.

“I’ve been one of the lucky few to coordinate many Lovedale Semillon vertical masterclass tastings at Mount Pleasant in the past. They really are special occasions. And to be able to share this occasion with our close friends and Australia’s First Families of Wine partner, Tyrrell’s Wines, is an absolute honour.”

Both Mount Pleasant and Tyrrell’s will be showing a selection of museum wines including Mount Pleasant Lovedale 2014, 2011, 2007, 2005 and Tyrrell’s Vat 1 2017, 2013, 2009, 2006.

Photo by Chris Elfes, www.elfesimages.com