Surprising Semillon
It’s hard to believe that in the early 19th century, Semillon accounted for no less than 93% of all Cape vineyards. This compared to the present, where Semillon represents about 1% of South African vineyards.
Despite Semillon’s marginal status within the Cape wine producing area, Sir Lambert Winery has made history by producing the first ever Semillon to be produced in the far northern Ward of Lamberts Bay. What makes this Semillon so surprising is that the verital is particularly sensitive to very high temperatures, often experienced in the northern wine growing regions of South Africa. However, due to the absence of heat waves during 2009/2010, conditions were ideal for Semillon vines.
Although most commonly used in white blends, I personally enjoy pure Semillon’s for their rich flavours and sometimes unusual complexity. Unfortunately, it seems, good Semillon’s are few and far between… recommendations anyone? 
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
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Comments
Thanks White Truffel for recommending the Steenberg Semillon 2009, which has just been released! The wine is extremely elegant, and was described during a Twitter Tasting last night as “like tackling a girl in a tight dress onto a freshly waxed floor”! Very tight at the moment, and very much still in it’s baby shoe stadium. It will develop beautifully – as out whites tend to do!
Hi Anetha
I’ve not tasted the 2009 Steenberg yet. Hoping to do so soon. I’ve tasted previous vintages however, and they were beautiful!
Hi All!
Thanks for the recommendations White Truffel Cape Point’s and De Grendel’s Semillon are superb.
I had the privelage in tasting the Steenberg Magna Carta 2007 at the beginning of last year, which certainly lived up to my expectations. However, I’m yet to taste a Steenberg Semillon, although having heard so much about them.
Perhaps I’ll have to stop by for another tasting at Steenberg Vineyards next time I’m in town
Cheers!
Brandon Marc
Marc, there’s a few that’s come across my path that I can recommend. Not sure whether they’re all available still, but worth a look.
Zonnebloem Limited Release Semillon
Steenberg Semillon
Cape Point VIneyards Semillon
De Grendel CWG Koetshuis – available at Wine Concepts Kloof Street
Ntida Semillon
and of course Boekenhoutskloof Semillon.
Obviously it might take a bit of hunting, but you wont go wrong with these.
Enjoy!