2022 Boekenhoutskloof Semillon
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Tasting notes
The Boekenhoutskloof 2022 Franschhoek Semillon comes from a plot of old vines, one of the oldest in the Western Cape, planted in 1902. Another vineyard on sandy soils was planted in 1942 and another yet on granite soils in 1956. A tiny percentage of Muscat, just 2% to 3%, is blended in. The Muscat is harvested last and put into clay Tava pots to keep it as neutral as possible. However, it does add a tiny bit of acacia flower and honey. The Semillon is waxy and rich with linseed oil and chamomile. Semillon was planted on the Cape in the 1800s, and it mutated to show a South African personality. This wine is slightly reductive and tight. Although it is coming to market now, give it more time in the cellar. Semillon becomes very gastronomic with time, proprietor Marc Kent says.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
This shows complex, intense aromas of toast, lime blossom, grapefruit, blood orange and ginger. There's no excess of acid but the acidity balances the round, waxy texture. This really is a very textural, almost chewy wine. It is certainly different from most of the racy, zesty Semillons of Hunter Valley, insofar as it's much richer and has more extroverted aromas (perhaps the Muscat adds to this?). Although it's fairly open and enjoyable now, I'm very interested to see how this evolves over the next 5–10 years. (JRL)
Creamy and textural, with complex layers and aromas of almond, waxed lemon, thyme, persimmon and fragrant apricot. Cedar, too. Full-bodied but with wonderful freshness. Full of fruit on the palate with a very long finish. From old vines planted in 1902, 1942 and 1936. Vinified 70% in new oak and 30% in concrete egg. Drink or hold.
The 2022 Sémillon comes from the same vineyards as previous vintages and includes 3% Muscat d'Alexandria and. It was whole-bunch-pressed and matured for 14 months in 70% new oak, along with some concrete eggs and amphorae. The 2022 has a perfumed bouquet with yellow fruit, linseed and crushed stony scents, quite tight at the moment. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, perhaps not as complex as the superb 2021, but harmonious. Touches of peach skin, marzipan and crème brûlée emerge toward the finish. It will mature with style in bottle.