Three blends of semillon and sauvignon blanc

The white grapes semillon and sauvignon blanc have a long history together. The marriage of these varieties originated in Bordeaux, France, but over the past 30-odd years it's become a staple of Australian white wine. Margaret River in southern WA is a local heartland for sem-sauv blends, most often for fairly simple dry whites – generally good, but never at the forefront of wine chatter. But lately, they've been receiving more attention in response to a new wave of wines with winemaking inputs such as barrel fermentation and lees contact that move them beyond uncomplicated quaffing into more complex territory.

Stella Bella Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $23-$25

Score 91

A bright young wine with a very appetising aroma. Tropical fruit and gooseberry aromas lead the way, with a barely perceptible wisp of mushroomy, nutty old oak. The smooth palate is citrus-accented, persistent and texturally interesting, with succulent balancing acidity. Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Stockists include: Wineseek, East Melbourne (Vic); Enmore Fine Wines, Enmore (NSW).

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018 $36-$39

Score 92

A young SBS blend showing nicely integrated barrel influence enhancing citrus, pineapple and herbal fruit aromas. In the mouth it's richly flavoured yet very dry, with a tight backbone of acidity and a long, savoury finish. Margaret River with a slight French accent. Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over four years.

Stockists include: Armadale Cellars, Armadale (Vic); Five Ways Cellars, Paddington (NSW).

Juniper Aquitaine Blanc 2017 $30-$33

Score 91

There's notable oak influence in this semillon-sauvignon, but those toasty and nutty notes don't shade a core of lemon-lime, melon and grassy characters too much. It tastes savoury and comes complete with tangy balance and a lingering, mouth-watering signature in the mouth. Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Stockists include: Summer Hill Wine Shop, Summer Hill (NSW); Higher Plane Wines, higherplanewines.com.au.