Lock & Worth consistently produces exceptional Semillon, but this takes it to another level. It may be one of the best Okanagan white wines we've tried over the last year. Taking a nod from Hunter Valley, this 2018 vintage is their current release, or a "library release," as some Aussie producers call it. It's a variety that really needs bottle age to express itself, and we're lucky that Lock & Worth has done the work for us.
This bottling is sourced from a West Kelowna vineyard on Mount Boucherie that was initially planted in 1993. It beautifully captures both the essence of Semillon and the distinctive terroir of the so-called Westside Wine Trail.
With minimal intervention winemaking, including whole cluster pressing, natural fermentation, and 12 months of ageing in neutral French oak on the lees, the result is a textured wine with pure citrus fruit character. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note
Just starting to show some signs of bottle age, this has a stunningly complex nose of zesty lemon, green apple skin, peach, wax, honeysuckle, and subtle lees, with a natural purity to the fruit. Taut, vervy, and lean at just 10.4%, the palate is exceptionally concentrated and textured, with noticeable dry extract, belying the low alcohol. In a word, electric. It has the potentialy to continue to age gracefully semillon, developing more pronounced honey, wax, and petrol notes over time.
Food Pairing
Butter and herb baked oysters or a goat cheese salad