Semillon, Boekenhoutskloof 2023

Lemons, beeswax, cashews, pralines, peaches and salted butter on the nose of this wonderfully textured and creamy white. It’s full-bodied and elegant, minerally and nutty, with delicious salty undertones. Excellent length, showing a zesty freshness at the end. From old vines planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942. Drink or hold.

One of a handful of Cape whites that I buy most years and expect to cellar for a decade, this is a subtle, refined, early picked Franschhoek blend of Semillon and 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Deftly fermented in 70% new barrels, it has beguiling aromas of vanilla spice, cardamom and saffron, layers of tangerine, beeswax and fresh lemons and understated concentration. Drink: 2027-36