Askerne Late Harvest Semillon (375ml)

Ey up!  Named Askerne after the spa town of Askern in Yorkshire, northern England. It’s the hometown of co-owner Kathryn Loughlin but these days she calls home Hawke’s Bay, where you’ll find the Askerne winery and vineyard.

Ee-Ba-Gum (as they say in Yorkshire) – the gum trees that feature on the label are a prominent feature of the Askerne vineyard.

A boutique, hands on producer, these guys dabble in making a little bit of everything – Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Carmenere, Mourvedre, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

This is their 2019 vintage Late Harvest Semillon (aka sticky) and as well as a Gold at the NZ International Wine Show AND 4 1/2 Stars in Cuisine magazine, it also got 93/100 with Master of Wine Bob Campbell.

Bob said “Luscious Sauternes-like wine with honey, dried apricot, mango, vanilla pod, and anise/spice flavours. Initial sweetness is restrained by fine, peppery tannins and gentle fruity acidity. Good now but could become even more interesting with a few years bottle age.”