Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon 2025
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WA 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Semillon has always found a natural home in the Barossa. It was one of the early white wine grape varieties planted by the first settlers around 160 years ago and the Mediterranean climate and careful farming has created a heritage of old, low yielding Semillon vineyards. With the use of an age-old, robust, pink-skinned Madeira clone, found mainly in the Barossa, the Woodcutter’s Semillon is reminiscent of the savory white wines found in the central and southern regions of France. 

Vintage:
Dry conditions continued for a second consecutive growing season in the lead up to the 2025 harvest. The earliest ever start and finish to a vintage followed due to the continual warm and dry weather, with the vineyard crops yielding less than average as a result. High quality wines with great acidity and depth of colour highlight the season. 

Tasting Notes:
The natural acidity and medium body of the Semillon grape takes great pride in the 100+ year old Barossa Valley vineyards that are naturally suited to the region. A wine that shows lifted aromas of fresh citrus fruits of Amalfi lemon, kaffir lime and grapefruit pith balance by aromatic perfume of citrus flowers such as lemon myrtle and lime blossom. The palate is long and lively with great freshness and pizazz, along with its hall mark tangy acidity cleansing to the finish. Enjoy as either a fresh young wine or age for up to 15 years to reveal brioche and lemon curd pastry like notes. Match with seafood and lighter white fleshed fish dishes, Mexican or Asian salads. Serve at 8C/47F. 

VARIETY: 100% Semillon (Madeira Clone)

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2025 Woodcutter's Semillon comprises fruit from four old-vine vineyards, ranging from 1890, 1919, 1910 and the youngest planted in the 1960s. Sixty percent of the wine is picked early (around 11 Baumé) and fermented in stainless, and the balance is picked at 13 Baumé and fermented in old oak barrel. As with the Juveniles Blanc, this wine makes sense for this area—it's grassy, crunchy, textural, waxy and wide. It's a richer, weightier wine than the aforementioned, and in its singular way, it is focused and linear. This is very good. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." - Erin Larkin (Apr 2026)