2003 Vidal Estate Reserve Noble Semillon Hawkes Bay New Zealand

The 2003 Vidal Estate Reserve Noble Semillon from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, is a rare and elusive dessert wine, and while no formal tasting notes have been published, we can infer its likely profile based on the grape, region, and style:

Nose: Expect aromas of dried apricot, honeycomb, and candied citrus peel, with possible hints of botrytis spice and vanilla from oak aging.

Palate: Lusciously sweet and textured, offering flavors of baked peach, marmalade, and toffee. The Semillon grape brings a waxy richness and depth, while noble rot adds complexity and a touch of saffron or ginger.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering honeyed fruit, citrus zest, and a soft nutty edge from bottle age.Crafted in a style reminiscent of Sauternes, this wine likely shows both opulence and freshness—perfect with blue cheese, almond pastries, or crème brûlée. If you’ve got a bottle, it’s a golden slice of early-2000s Hawke’s Bay craftsmanship.