2018 Boekenhoutskloof Semillon Franschhoek

Vines planted in 1942 and 1902 (South Africa’s oldest Semillon vineyard) on François Malherbe’s Eikehof property are the cornerstone of this brilliant wine, joined by 40% from Chris Alheit’s La Colline vineyard, planted in 1936. Vines from both have mutated to the red-skinned Semillon Gris. Also blended in is 4% of early-picked Muscat of Alexandria from the same 1902 vineyard, to give acidity rather than aromatics. It is fermented and matured in amphorae, while the Semillon ages for 14 months in 70% new french oak barriques and 30% in concrete eggs. Just a baby – it'll shine in a decade – but already delicious, showing complex flavours of waxy lemons, sherbet sweets, meadow flowers and lemongrass on a creamy-textured palate. Vibrant, structured and concentrated

Now this is a truly gorgeous wine from the Franschhoek Valley in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape, one that showcases just how well Semillon performs in South Africa. Bright lemon-yellow color. Flint, crushed stone, white peach, tangerine, beeswax, and white flowers on the very complex, drop-dead gorgeous nose lifted by a gingery nuance. Rich and mouthcoating but not heavy, with very good clarity and cut to the flavours of white orchard fruit, lemon curd, lemongrass and smoke. At once tactile and voluminous, and boasting a savory finish with repeating notes of raisins and ginger (a little Moscato d’Alessandria is thrown in the mix to increase aromatic depth). Knockout wine aged fourteen months in 70% new oak barriques and 30% concrete eggs.

The 2018 Sémillon comes from vines planted as far back as 1902, the fruit whole-bunch-pressed and fermented in a combination of French barriques, concrete eggs and clay amphorae. It has a defined bouquet of yellow flower (dandelion?), white peach and subtle lime aromas. The palate is well balanced with a dab of ginger on the entry and a waxy texture. Peach skin commingles with chamomile toward the finish. This is a classy Sémillon.

The 2018 Semillon was blended with 4% Muscat d'Alexandrie and begins with a nose of wax melon, pineapple husk, dusty yellow apple, a soft nutty tone and mineral essence. Medium-bodied, the wine displays a delightful, richly textured mouthfeel with a balanced mid-palate. The wine initially offers up flavors of sweet citrus and spiced mandarin orange before blanched almonds persist in the mouth with a thoughtful and complex spiciness. This Sémillon concludes with a clean, mineral finish that will remain food friendly until its tenth birthday. Seventy percent of the wine spent 14 months in 70% French oak, while the remainder aged in concrete egg and clay amphora.