Semillon Blanc Paper Kite, Thorne & Daughters 2024

The 2024 Semillon Paper Kite Old Vine, from Semillon vines planted in 1963, is matured 25% in Stockinger demi-muids. This has a potent and spicy nose that comes racing out of the blocks. The palate is medium-bodied with a waxy texture, fresh and vibrant, with a lovely umami sensation on the finish. Just a dab of Sichuan pepper that leaves the tongue tingling. Lovely. Drink 2026-2038.

Paper Kite is a head-turning Swartland blend of Semillon Gris and Semillon Blanc that are picked on the same day. Fermented in 25% new 500-litre Austrian oak barrels, this has jasmine and honeysuckle aromas, flavours of quince, lemongrass and Japanese green tea, racy minerality and wonderful focus and palate length.

I like the bread dough and rosemary focaccia aromas. Grapefruit, honey and peaches, too. It’s creamy, cool and complex with a tasty interplay of fruit and savory, leesy complexity. Medium-bodied, rich but very fresh. Drink or hold.