Boekenhoutskloof Semillon White 2021

The Wine Advocate
RP 92

Anthony Mueller: The 2021 Semillon, made with a touch of Muscat, has a fresher, more vibrant profile compared to the 2020 vintage, with a less noticeable reduction in aroma. This year’s version is livelier and juicier, with notes of ripe melon, yellow apples, sweet spices and a broad nose with hints of underripe peach and a light touch of nuts. Medium to full-bodied, it has a subtle phenolic bitterness and a velvety, integrated texture, culminating in a harmonious and gastronomic finish. After 14 months of ageing in new French barrels (70%), 12,786 bottles were produced.

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

Tim Atkin: Boekenhoutskloof’s world-class Semillon uses grapes from three separate plots in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, blended with 3% Muscat d’Alexandrie. It has more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of that burnt match character, with notes of lemongrass, vanilla custard and beeswax, plus a core of well-defined acidity.