ah Semillon 2007
“A hectic vineyard year - we uprooted old red vineyards with virus infection and replaced with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, a hurry up and wait harvest caused by high temperatures alternating with downpours and dry-outs then into hurried picking again, lots of tank juggling, all the reds ripened at the same time and before we knew it – the harvest was over. Our first Coronata white blend was released, we won a Michelangelo double gold for Pinotage 2005 plus it won “Best Durbanville Red” at the Terroir competition also winning best Semillon in South Africa. Sauvignon blanc went to screw cap. Cassia went live. We finished the year with a wonderful Christmas present when Sébastien was born to Jacus and Elrina.”
Tasting Notes
Alluring soft velvet mouthfeel, from seville orange, dried apricot, grapefruit and pear compote finished with gentle honeysuckle.
Winemaker Comments
In this, our 7th semillon harvest, we followed a picking strategy similar to the sauvignon blanc, harvesting for optimal flavour and ripeness. All the grapes are off Nitida vineyards so the wine is made from only the exclusive GD1 clone, which bears beautiful fruit flavours and is set to re-invent this cultivar in SA. Half of the wine we make in a Sauvignon Blanc Style - cool ferment with VIN7 yeast and the other half is made in a Chardonnay style - barrel fermented with QA23 yeast and left on the gross lees for 3 months after fermentation. We add back 5% sauvignon blanc for crispness and acid to liven the palate. . Already the wine is showing magnificent integration and rich full flavours. The growing popularity of this wine and our reputation as a semillon producer has resulted in strong sales for a cultivar that is growing in popularity amongst foodies. our faith in the wine has been vindicated by excellent results in competitions over the last 18 months. Woolworths has again shown their commitment.
