These vines are non-irrigated. A cooler summer in 2002 meant grapes had a longer, slower ripening period.

Loan’s winemaker, the talented Chris Ringland, has fashioned a 2002 Semillon offering exuberant lanolin, waxy, citrus oil notes, medium to full body, tremendous fruit intensity, and a long, dry, concentrated finish. Made from 9-year-old vines and aged in old oak, it tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. The Australians believe these wines age well, but I enjoy my whites during their exuberant, aromatic youth, so I would drink this Semillon over the next 2-3 years. This is an excellent debut release from this up and coming Barossa producer. – Robert Parker