Boekenhoutskloof Semillon Branco 2022

Boekenhoutskloof Semillon Branco 2022 is a prestigious South African white made from old vines in the Franschhoek Valley, some planted in 1902. It stands out for its complexity and texture, fermented and aged in French oak barrels and concrete eggs for 14 months.

The Wine Advocate
RP 93+

Reviewed by: Monica Larner

The Boekenhoutskloof 2022 Franschhoek Semillon comes from a parcel 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 on granite soils in 1956. A small percentage of Muscat, just 2–3%, is added to the blend. The Muscat is picked last and put into Tava clay pots to keep it as neutral as possible. Even so, it adds a light touch of acacia blossom and honey.

The Semillon has a waxy texture and richness, with notes of linseed oil and chamomile. Semillon was planted in the Cape in the 19th century and has mutated, showing a South African personality. This wine is slightly reductive and still closed. Although it's reaching the market now, it's worth leaving it longer in the cellar. According to owner Marc Kent, Semillon becomes very food-friendly with time.

James Suckling: Always an excellent Semillon, with texture and compact structure. Complex aromas of apricots, beeswax, Asian pears and hints of white chocolate. A little almond. Medium to full-bodied, with a long, creamy finish. From old vines planted in 1902, 1942 and 1936. Drink now or hold.

Tim Atkin: Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct parcels in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combined with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. It has more acidity and restraint than the dazzling 2020, and less of that struck-match character, with notes of lemongrass, vanilla cream and beeswax around a core of well-defined acidity.

Experts at Fine Wine Library and Wine Cellar consider this wine a safe investment for collectors, predicting an ideal drinking window of 2026 to 2037 thanks to its great ageing potential in bottle.