Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2015

Take a seat.

South Africa’s old vines and their potential to produce wines of greatness is very much under discussion right now but Boekenhoutskloof have been working with old-vine Franschhoek Semillon since the late 1990s and its quality credentials are impeccable.

The 2015 is as good as ever. Noteworthy about this vintage is that the wine contains 3% Muscat as opposed to the fraction of Sauvignon Blanc which was added in the past. The Semillon, meanwhile, comes from three vineyards planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942 respectively. Maturation lasted 13 months in French oak, 90% new.

The nose shows notes of straw, blackcurrant, white peach and naartjie plus a hint of vanilla. The palate is rich and smooth textured with a little herbal bite to the finish. Not as oxidative as some of the wines being made from Franschhoek Semillon, this has a real glossiness about it. Wine Cellar price: R300 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

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