Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Ageworthy, from vines more than 100 years old. Waxy lemon richness underpinned by fresh acidity from a bit of Sauvignon Blanc. Drink 2016-2023.
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Wine Spectator
Lovely tangerine, clementine, orange and ginger notes stream through, allied to a lightly waxy texture, showing pretty floral hints and good underlying zip. Long and alluring. Drink now through 2020.
Sémillon has the power to create wines with considerable structure, depth and length that will improve for several decades. It is the perfect partner to the vivdly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon especially shines in the Bordeaux region of Sauternes, which produces some of the world’s greatest sweet wines. Somm Secret—Sémillon was so common in South Africa in the 1820s, covering 93% of the country’s vineyard area, it was simply referred to as Wyndruif, or “wine grape.”
Originally named Franschhoek meaning the “French Corner” because it was home to the influx of French Huguenots, today the valley contains many historic cellars and is an important tourist location because of its proximity to Cape Town.
This valley falls to the southeast of Paarl and is enclosed on three sides by towering mountains. Streams from the slopes flow down to the valley floor, converging to form the Berg River. The area excels in the production of full-bodied reds.