Semillon
75cl * Vegan * 13% ABV * Franschhoek, Swartland, South Africa
Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, Boekenhoutskloof's name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). The indigenous Boekenhout tree is prized for furniture making. The label of the premium Boekenhoutskloof range pays tribute to the skills of the 18th century craftsmen and the beauty they created from natural sources, which is echoed in winemakers Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke's pursuit of fine wine-making.
Their premium Boekenhoutskloof Semillon is made from Certified Old Vine Vineyards, planted in 1902 and 1942 respectively, and count amongst the oldest in South Africa. These vineyards have acclimated to the harsh conditions in which they grow, producing unique wines with intense depth and complexity. The deep root systems and high skin-to-pulp ratio produce intensely complex, well-structured wines with unbelievable ageing potential.
Maturation took place at low temperatures, without sulphur additions, for 14 months, with 70% in new French Oak barriques and 30% in concrete eggs. This oxidative approach at low temperatures enhances the old vine Semillon's textural elements, creating exceptional structure. A small portion of historic Muscat d'Alexandrie, planted in 1902, has been added, after skin-fermented and maturation in clay amphora, to enhance the wine's aromatic character.
The nose is fresh and inviting with intense aromas of orange blossom, marmalade and jasmine and hints of potpourri, nettles and beeswax. Pure flavours of tangerine, honeysuckle, nectarine and notes of Cape fynbos, oregano and chamomile create a multi-layered palate, with soft, beautifully integrated acidity and subtle nuances of scrubland and fenugreek from prolonged yet very gentle oaking, lending complexity and balance. The mid-palate is dry and richly textured, with a mouth-filling, lithe body and a vibrant, attractive mineral streak. The wine is arresting, precise and focused, yet elegant and smooth, with grapefruit, lemon curd and lime lingering on a clean, slightly saline, mouth-watering finish.
“Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. It's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow! 2022-30” 99 Points - Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2022
“The 2020 Sémillon has a wonderful, vivacious bouquet with honeysuckle, jasmine, lemon rind and lanolin. It’s one of the finest Sémillon aromatics that I have encountered. The palate has a vibrant, slightly flinty opening and a tiny reduction. Lovely tension here with lemon curd and peach skin notes towards the persistent finish. Superb.” 95 Points - Neil Martin, Vinous Media 2022 Report
“Delicate silver-gold hue, whiff smoke from partial barrel ferment, mostly wafts of oatmeal & quince on waxy & round 2020. Same linear persistence as 2019.” 5 Stars & 95 Points - Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2023