2021 Boekenhoutskloof Sémillon
Boekenhoutskloof, established in 1776 in the Franschhoek Valley of South Africa, stands as one of the country's esteemed winemaking estates, and the Ambassador for the company was in from South Africa this week and tasted us on the range. With a history spanning centuries, the winery's name translates to "ravine of the Boekenhout" in Afrikaans, referencing the indigenous Boekenhout trees that populate the landscape. Boekenhoutskloof has carved its place with a collection of vineyards totaling approximately 76 hectares, cultivating varietals such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon, which we have today. Renowned for its commitment to producing world-class wines, the winemaking approach marries traditional methods with modern techniques, resulting in wines that reflect both the terroir and the contemporary palate, and is one of the leading winemakers of South Africa.
The 2021 Semillon here is sensational and one of the gems of the production at Boekenhoutskloof. All of the vineyards used for the Semillon have some significant age, two of which are unirrigated bush vines planted in 1942 and 1902 in the ancient Franschhoek Riverbed, 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 red hue and a higher skin-to-pulp ratio. The Semillon Gris vines naturally require more ripening time and are harvested in multiple passes to ensure ripeness. Boekenhoutskloof also opted to use a tiny portion of historic Muscat d'Alexandrie, planted in 1902, to enhance the wine's aromatic character and the results are spectacular.
This Semillon is most certainly on the level of Chateau d'Yquem's dry Semillon, Y de Y'quem, and seriously rubs shoulders with Chateau Haut Brion Blanc, which is one of the greatest White Bordeaux. The Aromatics open up to a melange of orchard blossoms, stone fruit, citrus, fresh herbs, and wet rocks. It's deep and pure, with an excellent ethereal texture that flows gracefully over the palate with such precision. The finish reveals a touch of spice with the salinity leaving your mouth wanting more. This is a sublime Semillon and truly another world-class wine from South Africa that gets our highest recommendation!
Tim Atkin 96 points! "Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Needs more time. Drink 2024-32."
Vinous Neil Martin 94 points! "The 2021 Semillon comes from two vineyards, one planted in 1942 (white sand plus granite) and another in 1902 (granite with quartz). It was whole bunch pressed and aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak. Blended with 3% Muscat d'Alexandria, also planted in 1902, it has a delineated, lanolin-tinged bouquet with a hint of green olive. The palate is beautiful, waxy in texture, with veins of lemongrass and lemon thyme, detailed and poised with impressive concentration on the finish. This will be a serious, long-term Semillon, and I know from first-hand experience how brilliantly they can age in bottle. This will be released in 2024. (Drink between 2026-2050)"
James Suckling 94 points! "Always an excellent semillon, textured and compact. Complex aromas of apricots, beeswax, Asian pears and hints of white chocolate. Some almonds. Medium- to full-bodied with a long, creamy finish. From old vines planted in 1902, 1942 and 1936. Drink or hold."
Description
Boekenhoutskloof, established in 1776 in the Franschhoek Valley of South Africa, stands as one of the country's esteemed winemaking estates, and the Ambassador for the company was in from South Africa this week and tasted us on the range. With a history spanning centuries, the winery's name translates to "ravine of the Boekenhout" in Afrikaans, referencing the indigenous Boekenhout trees that populate the landscape. Boekenhoutskloof has carved its place with a collection of vineyards totaling approximately 76 hectares, cultivating varietals such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon, which we have today. Renowned for its commitment to producing world-class wines, the winemaking approach marries traditional methods with modern techniques, resulting in wines that reflect both the terroir and the contemporary palate, and is one of the leading winemakers of South Africa.
The 2021 Semillon here is sensational and one of the gems of the production at Boekenhoutskloof. All of the vineyards used for the Semillon have some significant age, two of which are unirrigated bush vines planted in 1942 and 1902 in the ancient Franschhoek Riverbed, 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 red hue and a higher skin-to-pulp ratio. The Semillon Gris vines naturally require more ripening time and are harvested in multiple passes to ensure ripeness. Boekenhoutskloof also opted to use a tiny portion of historic Muscat d'Alexandrie, planted in 1902, to enhance the wine's aromatic character and the results are spectacular.
This Semillon is most certainly on the level of Chateau d'Yquem's dry Semillon, Y de Y'quem, and seriously rubs shoulders with Chateau Haut Brion Blanc, which is one of the greatest White Bordeaux. The Aromatics open up to a melange of orchard blossoms, stone fruit, citrus, fresh herbs, and wet rocks. It's deep and pure, with an excellent ethereal texture that flows gracefully over the palate with such precision. The finish reveals a touch of spice with the salinity leaving your mouth wanting more. This is a sublime Semillon and truly another world-class wine from South Africa that gets our highest recommendation!
Tim Atkin 96 points! "Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Needs more time. Drink 2024-32."
Vinous Neil Martin 94 points! "The 2021 Semillon comes from two vineyards, one planted in 1942 (white sand plus granite) and another in 1902 (granite with quartz). It was whole bunch pressed and aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak. Blended with 3% Muscat d'Alexandria, also planted in 1902, it has a delineated, lanolin-tinged bouquet with a hint of green olive. The palate is beautiful, waxy in texture, with veins of lemongrass and lemon thyme, detailed and poised with impressive concentration on the finish. This will be a serious, long-term Semillon, and I know from first-hand experience how brilliantly they can age in bottle. This will be released in 2024. (Drink between 2026-2050)"
James Suckling 94 points! "Always an excellent semillon, textured and compact. Complex aromas of apricots, beeswax, Asian pears and hints of white chocolate. Some almonds. Medium- to full-bodied with a long, creamy finish. From old vines planted in 1902, 1942 and 1936. Drink or hold."
