Boekenhoutskloof
2016 Semillon
South Africa

“This is pure and very focused, with a mix of tangerine, white peach, persimmon and singed almond notes, carried by vibrant acidity. Shows steely cut on the finish for now. Best from 2021 through 2028.”

“The 2016 Boekenhoutskloof Sémillon comes from three vineyards, one planted in 1902, another in 1936 (the La Colline block that is used by Chris Alheit) and a small parcel planted in 1942. It was aged 80% in new barriques for 14 months, the malolactic stopped by cool temperatures. It has a well defined bouquet of yellow plum, beeswax and honeysuckle. The palate is smooth and harmonious on the entry, with hints of custard creams and lemon curd; yellow fruit and a touch of spice follow on the leesy finish. I like the energy here and the tension that comes through with aeration. ONE OF THE BEST SÉMILLON WINES I’VE TASTED FROM BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF.”

“The focus of classic botrytized wine is evident with the 2016 Noble Late Harvest Semillon, which begins with dried apricot with honey, sun-kissed raisins, spice tones of ginger and saffron, newly bloomed flower blossoms and honeysuckle. The palate is loaded with texture and weight and has an unctuous and lusciously sweet core that exudes orange marmalade and exotic spices. It is soft and focused on the long-lingering, sweet finish. This is a fine wine, and only four barrels were produced. This is special stuff, as the berries were selected over several passes. Once the hand-selected berries were inside the winery, they were then basket pressed over a two-day period. The sticky goodness was then barrel fermented and allowed to settle by way of gravity.”