Wine Advisor
Boekenhoutskloof, Semillon 2022
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
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.
About the Producer
Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon, and Viognier. Boekenhoutskloof is a Syrah specialist, with its premium Boekenhoutskloof range selling out on release each vintage, and The Chocolate Block – a Syrah based blend – is probably the most successful new wine offering to come out of South Africa in the modern era. The Wolftrap brand of blended Rhone-style wines was inspired by the pioneering spirit of the early settlers who built what is now a monument to their adventurous spirit. A maverick spirit, Boekenhoutskloof’s Managing Partner & Technical Director Marc Kent is the driving force behind the various brands and properties within the Boekenhoutskloof stable. He is unafraid to experiment with the unconventional – however, his principal commitment is to quality on every level and in every detail. Marc is as committed to the continued development and growth of Boekenhoutskloof as he is to the greater South African wine industry. He has been actively involved in the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism Association as a Board member since its inception and has chaired the Vignerons de Franschhoek on numerous occasions.
