“Semillon from the Hunter Valley, made in its purest traditional form, is a wine based around ripe citrus flavours, and a length of palate created by natural acidity and a relatively lower alcohol. The balance and texture of the wine creates a unique white style that builds and complexes beautifully with age. I love its texture and mouthfeel. The variety combines an incredible line and length and lighter-body with a lingering mouthfeel that makes light foods sing like no other white wine.”
Andrew Margan
2022 ‘Fordwich Hill’ Semillon
The Fordwich Hill vineyard was planted by Lindemans on the red volcanic soil of the Fordwich Sill in the late 1960’s. Planted to original Semillon stock and farmed using vertical shoot positioning on a low trellis. This vineyard produces wines of a richer softer style with intense citrus like flavours. Made in the pure Hunter style with clean juice, stainless steel and neutral yeast.
Lemongrass, sherbet, chamomile flower on the nose.
Grapefruit, pine-lime, preserved lemon on the palate.
This wine has a great combination of subtle fruit framed by lingering acidity.
Food Match: Freshly shucked oysters served natural with lime and pepper.
2023 Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon is lean and racy in its youth but develops texture and complexity with age. It also will reflect the origins of where it is grown. This one is planted on the dolerite soils of the Fordwich Sill which leaves its footprint by way of a richer and softer wine with more palate weight in its youth, as opposed to Semillon grown on grey clay or alluvial soils.
Lemongrass and lime peel dominate the aromatics, the palate is light and full of fresh citrus. A vibrant acidity gives this wine line and length, a key characteristic that we look for when classifying our White Label Semillon.
2018 ‘Francis John’ Semillon
“If it weren’t for my father, Frank Margan, I would never have become a winemaker. He first planted grapes in the Hunter in 1965 and it was from those days that I fell in love with growing grapes and making wine. After he passed away, I took cuttings from his DeBeyers Vineyard and replanted them on our own Timbervines Vineyard, in the volcanic soil of the Fordwich Sill. Handpicked, handmade and carefully cellared for 5 years, this wine is now ready to enjoy! Dad always loved Hunter Valley Semillon and this is my tribute to him.”
Andrew Margan
“Wow. Doesn’t this throw all manner of aromas and flavours (peach and lemon) into the convincing and still youthful palate. I’m taking this one home with me.”
96 points
James Halliday
August 2023
2023 Botrytis Semillon 375ml
“Some of the best things in life happen by accident. That’s certainly the case with our Botrytis Semillon, which we first created in 1999. Due to bumper yields, we left a block unpicked, and the grapes became infected with the noble rot that produces the classic sweet wines of the world.
Despite initial reservations, Andrew went with his intuition and created a wine that was not only great but went on to win numerous trophies and medals for Margan. Now, more than 20 years later, we’re thrilled to release the latest vintage of this technical and specialised style.
Indulge in the sweetness of our 2023 Margan Botrytis Semillon, and experience the happy accident that has become one of our most celebrated wines.”
True to the style of classic sweet wines this one has a luscious palate with apricot marmalade, honeysuckle and pineapple. The finish is long and refreshing with citrus notes. It is a beautifully balanced wine.