Winemaker Notes
The nose is fresh and inviting with intense aromas of orange blossom, marmalade and jasmine and hints of potpourri, nettles and beeswax. Pure flavors of tangerine, honeysuckle, nectarine and notes of Cape fynbos, oregano and chamomile create a multi layered palate, with soft, beautifully integrated acidity and subtle nuances of khaki bush and fenugreek from prolonged yet very gentle oaking, lending complexity and balance. The mid-palate is dry and richly textured, with a mouth-filling, lithe body and a vibrant, attractive mineral streak. The wine is arresting, precise and focused, yet elegant and smooth, with grapefruit, lemon curd and lime lingering on a clean, slightly saline, mouthwatering finish.
Blend: 97% Sémillon, 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A wonderfully perfumed nose of beeswax, green apple, fleshy peach and charred thyme. Medium-bodied with silky, rich texture. Expressive and incredibly succulent with subtle but driving acidity that pushes the palate through a persistent finish. Gentle tannins give structure and focus. Delicious. Sustainable.
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Vinous
The 2019 Sémillon, one of my favorite cuvées from this producer, has a wonderful bouquet of peach skin and orange blossom scents, all extremely well defined. The balanced palate offers superb concentration on the entry, flavors of praline mixed with citrus fruit and almond, and an almost resinous note toward the finish. It’s tempting to drink this now, but it deserves 3–5 years in bottle.
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Wine Enthusiast
Delightful notes of green apple, apricot and honey burst on the nose of this oldvine Semillon. The textured palate reveals intense flavors of pomelo, lemon, white tea and dried mint. Peppercorn and ginger lengthen the spice and citrus finish. This wine has complexity and great structure.
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Wine Spectator
This medium-bodied white shows lovely cut and definition to an otherwise plump, juicy, lightly fleshy profile of poached quince, fig and glazed tangerine, with a touch of pastry. Delivers an appealing nose of flint, chive blossoms and quinine. Semillon and Muscat of Alexandria. Drink now through 2026. 965 cases made, 25 cases imported.
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.