KOKERBOOM 2025: Semillon blanc & gris in quartzitic sandstone with siltstone, shale & conglomerate beds. A field blend of both white and grey Sémillon pressed together. 

A rare, highly coveted white wine made from old-vine Sémillon (approx. 80% white, 20% red/grey) in the Citrusdal Mountains. Known for remarkable texture, volume, and minerality, the 2025 vintage showcases signature waxy, lanolin characteristics with a hint of gunflint reduction and vibrant freshness

The grapes are picked in the Citrusdal Mountains and it does require a major load of logistics to get the grapes down to the winery: the journey to the vineyard takes about 4 and a half hours so we only return to the cellar at the end of the day and then place the grapes in our cool room (at 4 degrees) for the night. The next day the grapes are sorted and the whole bunches go into the press. The pressing lasts 3 hours and in that period a margin of settling of the juice takes place in the collecting tank. The turbid juice is then transferred to one of our old foudres for fermentation. The juice composition of the Kokerboom vineyard is usually very low in natural nitrogen and yeast nutrients and the fermentation takes about 10 days to start and normally equires 6 - 8 months to complete, which often brings us to the following spring. By then the malolactic fermentation would usually have come to completion as well.

The wine is left in cask for the entire first 12 months on the fermentation lees and we bottle from the lees. We add about 60ppm of sulphur 2 - 3 weeks prior to bottling to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the tank. We cannot mix it in for everything is still on the gross lees.

Tasting Notes: Rare and remarkable expression of old-vine Semillon. From the iconic Kokerboom vineyard, planted with approximately 80% white Green Grape and 20% red Green Grape, the grapes are harvested and pressed together, creating a wine of immense texture, richness and depth. Showing the classic Semillon hallmarks of wax, lanolin and layered complexity, the wine opens with a touch of gunflint reduction before revealing Granny Smith apple and fresh lime notes. The combination of vibrant acidity and firm tannins gives the wine a compact, powerful structure that will reward patience in the cellar. A full-bodied wine with incredible presence and ageing potential. Very limited production, so share a bottle with good friends while you can.

Food Pairing: Its robust texture, firm tannins, and racy acidity, it pairs perfectly with dishes boasting creamy depth, subtle spice, or high-fat content. Rich Seafood: Grilled salmon with herb butter, pan-seared game fish, or lobster bisque. Poultry & Pork: Roasted chicken, duck, or pork dishes with a touch of savory or spiced seasoning. Vegetarian: Vegetable tian with parmesan or dishes finished with rich, nutty sauces. Cheese: Comté, aged Gruyère, or goat's milk cheeses.

ANALYSIS: ALC 14% | TA 5.6g/L | pH 3.26 | RS 1.8g/L