This Sémillon comes from ancient bush vines on the edges of the Franschhoek Valley, about 22 km due east of Damascene's Bottelary Chenin Blanc vineyard. The vines are rooted in alluvial soils of decomposed Table Mountain sandstone. The oldest block was planted in 1932, and a second, rockier block was planted in 1962 against the Franschhoek Mountain foothills. Roughly 15% of the vines have naturally mutated into the rare Sémillon Gris, which is preserved through careful pruning.

The 2025 season in Franschhoek was built on a long, cold winter with rainfall well above average. Spring was drier than normal, and easterly winds at flowering produced looser bunches and lower disease risk. One sharp heat peak on Christmas Day was followed by a cooler run, late véraison and cool nights that let the fruit ripen evenly. Harvest was by hand between 14 and 18 February 2025.

In the cellar, whole clusters were pressed on a gentle champagne cycle, settled overnight and fermented in 1,000 litre Austrian oak foudres. All the lees in suspension were kept to build texture naturally. No sulphur or enzymes were used during winemaking, only native yeasts carried the ferment, and most batches saw sulphur for the first time shortly before bottling. Malolactic conversion was deliberately prevented to protect the wine's natural acidity, and the wine matured on its lees for nine months in foudre at 6 to 8 °C.

Tasting Notes: A wine of remarkable poise, depth, and texture, showcasing the distinctive character of one of South Africa's most celebrated Semillon-producing regions. Aromatically reserved at first, it gradually reveals intricate layers of freshly baked sourdough, white blossom, and delicate baking spice, underscored by a subtle mineral nuance. The palate is beautifully refined and textural, unfolding with waves of white pear, ripe peach, apricot, and white nectarine. Hints of lemon curd, crème brûlée, and candied citrus add complexity, while a vibrant thread of acidity provides energy and precision throughout. As the wine evolves in the glass, its fruit profile becomes increasingly expressive, revealing the hallmark stone fruit richness for which Franschhoek Semillon is renowned. Silky and finely structured, the wine balances generous fruit with impressive restraint, culminating in a long, layered finish marked by notes of grapefruit preserve, citrus zest, and a subtle bittersweet savoury edge. Elegant yet powerful, this is a captivating Semillon that beautifully captures both the texture and longevity that define the variety at its finest.

Food Pairing: A wine that deserves thoughtful, elegant cuisine, where texture, freshness, and subtle richness are in perfect balance. Roast free-range chicken scented with lemon, thyme, and browned butter beautifully mirrors the wine's layered citrus and stone fruit character, while butter-poached crayfish, langoustine, or lobster elevate its refined texture and luminous acidity. Delicately prepared seafood dishes such as pan-seared line fish served with beurre blanc, Champagne cream, or a citrus-infused velouté find a seamless partner in the wine's lees-derived depth and vibrant structure. Its generous palate and complex savoury undertones also pair exceptionally well with creamy sweetcorn risotto, roasted butternut with sage butter, or wild mushroom dishes finished with aged Parmesan. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside poultry enriched with truffle, slow-roasted guinea fowl, or veal in a delicate cream sauce, allowing the wine's tension and freshness to balance every element on the plate. A selection of aged Comté, Gruyère, or fine Alpine cheeses provides a particularly rewarding match, echoing the wine's subtle nuttiness, layered texture, and lingering bittersweet finish. Served at 10 to 12°C, this distinguished Semillon reveals its full breadth of flavour and texture, offering a dining experience of remarkable elegance and sophistication.

85% Semillon, 15% Semillon Gris. From two Franschhoek vineyards, one planted in 1932 and the other in 1962. Matured for nine months in 1,000-litre foudre. Hay, herbs, lime, nectarine, blackcurrant and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate has both breadth and depth, combining pure fruit and well-integrated acidity before a gently savoury finish. Textured, being slightly oily, slightly grippy. Layers of flavour, complex and composed. Alc: 13.04%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Classic

'A poised and beautiful nose with waxy lemon. It’s crystalline and tensile, with just a hint of old-vine creaminess. Gentle notes of hay waft over summer citrus blossom. The wine is focused, juicy and fresh. Lemon and lime offer citrus complexity, especially on the palate. Hay, herbs and some buchu combine as the wine continues to unfurl. Absolutely superb in this vintage – a classic SA Sémillon. The palate is all restraint, the fruit juicy yet poised with pithiness and tension. Lots of fruit and length, almond paste and umami to end. A statement wine!' – James Pietersen, September 2026

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.04% | TA 5.4g/L | pH 3.22 | RS 3.2g/L