Boekenhoutskloof - Stellenbosch Semillon 2021
96/100
Decanter
96/100
Tim Atkin
17,5++/20
Jancis Robinson
94/100
James Suckling
94/100
Vinous
Crowned a "Cape Town icon" by Decanter and a "world-class semillon" by Tim Atkin, this exceptional cuvée comes from South Africa's oldest vineyards!
"The seductive aroma of daffodil, acacia flower, lemon verbena, fresh pear, jasmine and quince leaves no doubt about the confidence, class and embryonic complexity of this mature Semillon from old vines. The palate offers a pleasing oily character, is tapered, seamless and persistent, with subtle notes of candle wax and lemon zest in the background. Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke have produced a deft and confident vinification, and 2021 is a sensational vintage for this Cape Town icon [...] 2024-2038" (Decanter 2024)
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Eye
Clean, bright straw-yellow colour
Nose
Open and seductive, scents of apricot, acacia flower and kumquat, with subtle notes of ginger, jasmine and apple blossom.
Mouth
Pure and elegant, with flavors of pear, quince, star fruit and fresh lemon, enhanced by subtle oak nuances that add complexity. Well-balanced, natural tension, with full-bodied, textured development and a long, saline, slightly spicy finish.
Serve
At 13-14°C
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2040
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with Chinese fondue, saithe fillet with soy sauce, fresh goat's cheese with pepper...
Decanter
Wine rated (2024 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
The seductive aroma of daffodil, acacia flower, lemon verbena, fresh pear, jasmine and quince leaves no doubt as to the confidence, class and embryonic complexity of this mature Semillon from old vines. The palate offers a pleasing oily character, is tapered, seamless and persistent, with subtle notes of candle wax and lemon zest in the background. Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke have produced a skilful and confident vinification, and 2021 is a sensational vintage for this Cape icon, made with 97% Semillon from three Franschhoek vineyards, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942. In addition, 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie was fermented in amphora and added "for acidity, not aroma". Pressed from whole bunches, fermented spontaneously and not sulphured during ageing, this wine is aged in 70% new French oak at low temperature to avoid excessive oakiness, and in 30% concrete eggs without batonnage or malolactic fermentation, then aged in bottle for a year before being marketed. 2024-2038
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2024 guide) 17,5++/20
About the wine:
Nice smoky grapefruit intensity, and I think I detect a very slight grape note from the muscat, but that may be autosuggestion.... Deep, chewy and firmly textured, slightly tannic and so fresh. The palate is full, creamy, but still very fresh, already complex, but it needs more time in bottle to show its full panoply of flavors. Depth, harmony and length, all in embryonic form for now. 2026-2033
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
Semillon 2021 comes from two vineyards, one planted in 1942 (white sand and granite) and the other in 1902 (granite and quartz). It was whole-cluster pressed and aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak. Blended with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie, also planted in 1902, it has a defined, lanolin-tinged bouquet, with a hint of green olive. The palate is gorgeous, waxy in texture, with veins of lemongrass and lemon thyme, detailed and balanced, with impressive concentration on the finish. This is a serious, long-lived Semillon, and I know from experience how brilliantly it can age in bottle. 2026-2050
James Suckling
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
Still an excellent Semillon, textured and compact. Complex aromas of apricot, beeswax, Asian pear and white chocolate. Some almonds. Medium to full-bodied, with a long, creamy finish. From old vines planted in 1902, 1942 and 1936. For drinking or cellaring.
Tim Atkin
Wine rated (2023 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks of Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, and combines them with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. It shows more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less match character, with notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax, and a core of chiseled acidity. It needs more time.
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