Shop
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2022
R585.00
This Semillon is made from Certified Heritage Vineyards, which count amongst the oldest in South Africa. These Franschhoek Semillon vineyards have acclimated to the harsh conditions and alluvial soils in which they grow, producing unique wines with intense depth and complexity. These old vineyards’ deep root systems and high skin-to-pulp ratio produce intensely complex, well-structured wines with unbelievable ageing potential.
Two of the vineyards used for the Semillon, planted in 1902 and 1942, are unirrigated bush vines, growing on little to no slope in the ancient Franschhoek Riverbed. These vineyards are well established on alluvial soils with a high loam content. The third vineyard, planted in 1936, is located further up the valley, on a 45-degree south-facing slope, on decomposed granite and quartz. Some of the vines within these vineyards have naturally mutated from Semillon to Semillon Gris, which has a slight rusty hue and higher skin-to-pulp ratio. The Semillon Gris vines naturally require more ripening time and are only harvested during a second picking. A small portion of historic Muscat d’Alexandrie, planted in 1902, is used to enhance the wine’s aromatic character.
Grapes were whole bunch pressed and spontaneously fermented in 225L classic barriques and concrete eggs. Maturation occurs at low temperatures, without sulphur additions, for 14 months: 70% in new French Oak barriques and 30% in concrete eggs. This oxidative approach at low temperatures enables us to enhance our old vine Semillon’s textural elements, creating exceptional structure in a wine that can certainly stand the test of time. The Muscat d’Alexandrie was skin-fermented and matured in clay amphora.
Orange blossom aromatics, ripe peach and honeydew melon dominate an upfront nose, with savoury hints of dust, ginger spice and gentle lemon zest adding to its complexity. The citrus and stone fruit on the nose follow through with flavours of orange marmalade, preserved lemon and lime cordial. Clever oaky nuances bring richness, structure and texture to a fresh, vibrant mid-palate. The wine is medium to full bodied, with integrated acidity and focused intensity creating poise and balance. Blood orange, angelica, chamomile and spice linger on a slightly saline, soft, pithy finish.
Analysis: Alc: 13.20 % vol | RS: 2.13 g/l | TA: 5.38 g/l | pH: 3.38
Tim Atkin MW 98 | Platter’s Guide 2025 Semillon of the Year | James Suckling 95
Description
Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making.
In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.
Additional Information
| Producer | Boekenhoutskloof |
|---|
