The 2018 HVD Semillon is slightly darker in the glass than the 2023 side by side, but not appreciably so. It's slow to evolve. 2018 was a very early, warm vintage. Early in the Hunter is quite early: the fruit for this 2018 HVD Semillon was picked on January 11. The HVD vineyard is usually picked after Chardonnay and before the Belford vineyard. This is rich, textural and toasty, and the flavors feel as if they blanket the tongue. It's a rich, dry wine, with a wide texture and long drive. (EL)