Australia's Original Semillon Sauvignon Blanc — A Classic That Has Never Gone Out of Style

My Wine Man on Pierro

Pierro is one of Margaret River's most original and intellectually compelling estates, founded by Dr Mike Peterkin — a man of rare curiosity, conviction, and winemaking vision. In 1979, while working at Cullen Wines, Peterkin produced Australia's first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc — a blend he borrowed from the great white wines of Bordeaux and Pessac-Léognan, and which went on to win a trophy at the Perth Royal Show. So convinced was he of the blend's potential in Margaret River that when he established Pierro in 1980, he devoted a third of the estate's plantings to the two varieties. The wine he created — the L.T.C., which stands for 'A Little Touch of Chardonnay', a nod to the small percentage of Chardonnay blended in to add texture and complexity — has been judged over the last 40+ years as not only the first, but one of the finest expressions of the style in Australia. The 2024 vintage in Margaret River delivered a long, cool growing season with excellent natural acidity and fruit purity — producing an L.T.C. of exceptional freshness, precision, and immediate drinking pleasure.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw with a bright, luminous clarity. The nose is immediately fresh, aromatic, and inviting — lemon juice, lemon zest, and white grapefruit lead with vibrant citrus precision, followed by notes of quince, fresh herbs, and a subtle creamy texture from the wine's Chardonnay component. A lovely floral lift adds elegance and aromatic complexity. On the palate, medium-bodied and racy — juicy, puckering acidity, a silky mid-palate with a touch of creamy texture, and a long, clean, citrus-driven finish with excellent freshness and persistence.

Style & Drinking Window

Vibrant, racy, and aromatic Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Chardonnay texture and excellent freshness. Drinking at its absolute best now through 2027–2029. Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C in a large white wine glass. No decanting required.

Food Pairing

The vibrant citrus precision and creamy textural lift of the 2024 Pierro L.T.C. Semillon Sauvignon Blanc make it an outstanding match for Atlantic Wild Ocean Sea Scallops (Sashimi Grade) from My Meat Man. The wine's lemon zest brightness and Chardonnay-derived creaminess complement the sweet, delicate flesh of sashimi-grade scallops beautifully — whether seared in brown butter with capers and lemon, served raw with a yuzu and sea salt dressing, or grilled briefly over charcoal with fresh herbs.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$219, the 2024 Pierro L.T.C. Semillon Sauvignon Blanc delivers one of Australia's most historically significant and consistently excellent white wine experiences at a price that makes it an outstanding everyday luxury. This is the wine that created the Australian Semillon Sauvignon Blanc category — crafted by the man who invented it, from the estate he built around it.

Looking for a Different Style?

2024 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc — a Margaret River peer with similarly restrained citrus precision and excellent estate pedigree.
2021 Vasse Felix Sauvignon Blanc — from Margaret River's founding estate, 95pts Halliday; wild-fermented and more structured.
2025 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — the world's most iconic Sauvignon Blanc, exuberant and tropical.