Boekenhoutskloof - Stellenbosch Semillon 2021
96/100
Decanter
96/100
Tim Atkin
17,5++/20
Jancis Robinson
94/100
James Suckling
94/100
Vinous
"Named 'Icon of the Cape' by Decanter and 'world-class Sémillon' by Tim Atkin, this exceptional cuvée comes from South Africa's oldest vineyards!"
The seductive aroma of daffodil, acacia blossom, lemon verbena, fresh pear, jasmine, and quince leaves no doubt as to the confidence, class, and embryonic complexity of this mature Semillon, produced from old vines. The palate offers a pleasant oily character, it is tapered, homogeneous and persistent, with subtle notes of candle wax and lemon zest in the background. Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke have produced a skillful and confident wine, and 2021 is a sensational vintage for this Cape icon [...] 2024-2038" (Decanter 2024)
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Eye
Straw yellow color, clear and bright
Nose
Open and seductive, with scents of apricot, acacia blossom, 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. Beautiful natural and balanced tension, with a full-bodied and textured development, and a long, salty, and slightly spicy finish.
Serve
At 13-14°C
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2040
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with a fondue chinoise, pollock fillet with soy sauce, fresh goat cheese with pepper...
Decanter
Wine rated (2024 guide) 96/100
About wine:
The seductive aroma of daffodil, acacia blossom, lemon verbena, fresh pear, jasmine, and quince leaves no doubt as to the confidence, class, and embryonic complexity of this mature Semillon, produced from old vines. The palate offers a pleasant oily character, it is tapered, homogeneous and persistent, with subtle notes of candle wax and lemon zest in the background. Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke have produced a skillful 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 of Alexandria was fermented in amphorae and added "for acidity, not for aromas." Pressed as whole clusters, fermented spontaneously and unsulphured during aging, this wine is aged in 70% new French oak at low temperatures to avoid excessive woodiness, and in 30% concrete eggs without bâtonnage or malolactic fermentation, then aged in bottle for a year before release. 2024-2038
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2024 guide) 17,5++/20
About wine:
Beautiful smoky grapefruit intensity, and I think I detect a very slight hint of grape from the Muscat, but that may just be my imagination... Deep, chewy, and firmly textured, slightly tannic and so fresh. The palate is full-bodied and creamy, yet still very fresh and already complex, but it needs more time in the bottle to reveal its full range of flavors. Depth, harmony, and length, all still in their embryonic stages for now. 2026-2033
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94/100
About wine:
The 2021 Semillon comes from two vineyards, one planted in 1942 (white sand and granite) and the other in 1902 (granite and quartz). It was pressed in whole clusters and aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak. Blended with 3% Muscat of Alexandria, also planted in 1902, it has a defined bouquet, tinged with lanolin, with a hint of green olive. The palate is magnificent, with a waxy texture, hints 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 the bottle. 2026-2050
James Suckling
Wine rated (2023 guide) 94/100
About wine:
Always an excellent Semillon, textured and compact. Complex aromas of apricot, beeswax, Asian pear, and white chocolate. Some almonds. Medium-bodied to full-bodied with a long, creamy finish. Made from old vines planted in 1902, 1942, and 1936. Drink now or cellar.
Tim Atkin
Wine rated (2023 guide) 96/100
About wine:
Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936, and 1942, and blends them with 3% Muscat of Alexandria. It shows more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less matchstick character, with notes of lemongrass, pastry cream, and beeswax, and a core of chiseled acidity. It needs more time.
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