The Vineyard Party I’m Your Huckleberry Semillon 2019

At the beginning of the 19^th century, Semillon made up over 90% of plantings in South Africa. Today, however, only 969ha out of a total of 90 512ha remain, which presents a challenge for independent winemaker Jolette Steyn. On launching own-label The Vineyard Party, she decided to specialize in this variety but securing grapes has proved tricky – whereas her acclaimed 2018 releases were from Helderberg, the newly released I’m Your Huckleberry 2019 is from Bot River – only 1 385 bottles made.

Winemaking for the 2019 involved 25% skin and 25% whole-bunch fermentation and the result is, in a word, esoteric. Lime, peach, hay, fynbos and a touch of white pepper on the nose while the palate has good depth of fruit, well integrated acidity and a deeply savoury finish. It’s a fascinating wine but not exactly easy drinking. Price: R220 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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