Whites

Semillon

I make no secret of the fact that straight varietal Semillon is my favourite wine variety. It can be enjoyed young while it is acidic, minerally and it tastes of freshly cut lemons, or as an aged wine, when tastes of honey and buttered toast take over from the primary fruit. There are a number of unique and wonderful expressions of Semillon, below are a few of my favourites:

Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon (2005, 1999 current releases)

Tyrrell's Belford Semillon (2006 current release)

Tyrrell's HVD Semillon (2006 current release)

Thomas Wines Braemore Semillon (2011 and 2006 current releases)

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard The Ridge Semillon (2009 current release)

McWilliams Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon (2005 current release)

Riesling

I am very late to the party with Riesling. I flatly refused to try new Rieslings, having disliked sweeter expressions my whole life. A friend urged me to follow my own advice, and I have since become enamoured. Living in the Canberra District, I have access to some of the best Rieslings in Australia, if not the world! I am yet to explore Rieslings form some of Australia's other regions.

Nick O'Leary Canberra District Riesling (2011 current release)

Mount Majura Vineyard Canberra District Riesling (2011 current release)
Brindabella Hills Canberra District Riesling (2011 current release)
Helm Classic Dry Riesling (2011 current release)
Helm Premium Riesling (2010 current release)
Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling
Jim Barry Watervale Riesling

Other Whites

This is a fairly broad category, but I am yet to fall in love with any other readily available variety in Australia. Chardonnay is spoilt for me by over-oaking, and the more elegant examples seem too flimsy. I do occasionally enjoy Pinot Gris/Griggio, Arneis, Vermentino, Marsanne and Sauvignon Blanc, but not enough to warrant their own categories.

Tahbilk Marsanne
Collector Lamp Lit Marsanne (although it is really a Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier)

Rutherglen Estates Arneis

Tyrrell's Lost Block Sauvignon Blanc
Brindabella Hills Canberra District Sauvignon Blanc