Buying guide: Semillon

Key findings: This category may be small but it consistently produces wines of the highest quality. It’s unlikely that Semillon will ever have a very great following, but for those in the know, there are wines of great distinction to be had.

★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
KWV The Mentors 2009*
CELLAR PRICE: R110
Alc 13.67% RS 1.5g/TA 6.8g/pH 3.08
Lime and some herbal character on the
nose. The palate is very pure and focused
with juicy, optimally ripe fruit and fresh
acidity. Clean and long. Drink now –
2014.
CE 18 | GdF 18 | JF 17.5 | AL 17.5 | JS 17

Constantia Uitsig 2009*
CELLAR PRICE: R145
Alc 14% RS 3g/TA 7.3g/pH 3.26
Attractive hint of oak on an otherwise shy
nose. The palate shows both breadth and
depth with huge intensity of flavour: lime,
white paprika and vanilla. Big in structure
but well-balanced. Drink 2012 – 2014.
CE 18 | GdF 17 | JF 17 | AL 17.5 | JS 17.5

Cape Point Vineyards 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R155
Alc 13% RS 2.3g/TA 6.6g/pH 3.31
Some secondary notes of tinned peas and
asparagus on the nose. The palate shows
good texture and a range of fl avour from
herbaceous through citrus to stone fruit.
Bright acidity, oak well judged. Drink
now – 2013.
CE 17 | GdF 16.5 | JF 16.5 | AL 17.5 | JS 17.5

★ ★ ★ ★
Withington 2010
CELLAR PRICE: R52
Alc 12.39% RS 1.6g/TA 6.6g/pH 3.3
The nose presents as primary in character
while the palate shows lime and a
herbaceous note. Clean and pure with a
good line of acidity making for a long, dry
finish. Drink now – 2013.
CE 16 | GdF 16 | JF 15.5 | AL 16.5 | JS 17

★ ★ ★ ✩
Eikendal 2009 R60
Nitida Woolworths
Limited Release 2009 ARP R79.99
KWV The Mentors 2008* R110
Steenberg 2009 R180

★ ★ ★
Ondine 2009 (Ormonde) R52
Creation 2010 R90
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered 2009*
(Bergkelder) R93
David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner 2009* R160

★ ★ ✩
Nitida 2010* R75
Boekenhoutskloof 2008 ARP R150

★ ★
Overgaauw 2008* R47
Deetlefs 2009 R59
Creation 2009 R79.50
Stony Brook Cask
Selection Reserve 2008* R80
Stellenzicht Reserve 2008 R98