2007 Noble One Botrytis Semillon

Possessing a pale gold color, the aromas of the 2007 Noble One are still very primary – lemon curd, acacia honey, jasmine, mandarin peel, cedar and a whiff of complexity-instilling VA. Very crisp, concentrated and intense on the palate with a great mid-palate adding to the layers of complexity. Fully sweet with a very long finish. Drink now for a fruitier style or this should develop wonderfully through 2022. One of Australia’s highest quality botrytised sweet wines, Noble One began as the brainchild of Darren De Bortoli emerging from his love of Sauternes and awareness that the naturally humid conditions in the Riverina were regularly conducive to Botrytis cinerea or noble rot. The first vintage was 1982, sealing Nobel One’s reputation. Produced from 100% Semillon, around 85-90% of the wine is matured in French oak for about 12 months while the remaining proportion is left in tank prior to final blending. Importer: De Bortoli Wines USA Inc; tel. (201) 714-9700; www.debortoli.com.au

(for 375 ml.) Bright gold. A complex bouquet of orange marmalade, apricot nectar, floral honey and lemon rind, along with a subtle note of marzipan. Deeply concentrated pit fruit flavors are complemented by brown butter, vanilla and candied orange peel, with notes of toasted nuts and baking spices in the background. Luscious and very sweet but not cloying, with gentle acidity adding spine and helping to carry the pit fruit-dominated finish.