Boekenhoutskloof - Stellenbosch Semillon 2022
98/100
Tim Atkin
95/100
James Suckling
95/100
Decanter
17/20
Jancis Robinson
"New vintage of this exceptional Sémillon, from South Africa's oldest vineyards!"
"This superb Semillon comes from some of South Africa's oldest vines [...] Such purity and brilliance in the golden citrus aromas, with tangy notes of grapefruit and honeyed hazelnut. Complex and concentrated on the palate, carried by a touch of minerality, with layers of pure citrus and stone fruit, notes of walnut, apple and chamomile, and a hint of salinity. Textured and long, it will continue to develop with time in the bottle. 2025-2031" (Decanter 2025)
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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
2026
Drink before
2035
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with a fondue chinoise, pollock fillet with soy sauce, fresh goat cheese with pepper...
Decanter
Wine rated (2025 guide) 95/100
About wine:
This superb Semillon comes from some of South Africa's oldest vines: two vineyards planted in 1902 and 1942 in the former bed of the Franschhoek River, and the La Colline vineyard, planted in 1936 on a higher slope in the valley. The blend also contains a small percentage of early-harvest Muscat of Alexandria from the 1902 vineyard, added for acidity rather than aroma. It is fermented with the skins and aged in amphorae, while the Sémillon is aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak barrels and 30% concrete eggs, allowing the texture to develop. Such purity and brightness in the golden citrus aromas, with tart notes of grapefruit and honeyed hazelnut. A complex and concentrated palate, carried by a touch of minerality, with layers of pure citrus and stone fruit, notes of walnut, apple, and chamomile, as well as a touch of salinity. Textured and long, it will continue to blossom with time in the bottle. 2025-2031
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2025 guide) 17/20
About wine:
It has complex and intense aromas of toast, lime blossom, grapefruit, blood orange, and ginger. The acidity is not excessive, but it balances the round and waxy texture well. It is truly a very textured wine, almost mellow. It is certainly different from most of the racy, acidic Semillons from the Hunter Valley, in that it is much richer and has more extroverted aromas (perhaps thanks to the Muscat?). Although it is already quite open and pleasant to drink, I am very curious to see how it will evolve over the next 5 to 10 years. 2026-2035
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 95/100
About wine:
Creamy and textured, with complex layers and aromas of almond, waxed lemon, thyme, persimmon, and fragrant apricot. Cedar too. Full-bodied, but with a wonderful freshness. Fruity on the palate with a very long finish. Made from old vines planted in 1902, 1942, and 1936. 70% vinified in new oak barrels and 30% in concrete egg vats. Ready to drink or keep.
Tim Atkin
Wine rated (2025 guide) 98/100