Cape of Good Hope Laing Semillon 2015
Editor Rating
- Rated 4 stars
- Excellent
- Citrusdal Mountains, Olifants River
- Reviewed by: Treve Ring
- Published on: November 5, 2018
- Last modified: November 5, 2018
Review Summary:
This carries all of Semillon's waxy heft and sheen, but with a stony, citrus-lined, edgy profile that talks of its place. This is from Henk Laing's Trekpoort farm on Skurfberg Mountain, within the Citrusdal Mountains (WO Citrusdalberg). These are now 50+ year-old bush vines, almost 1 m tall, planted on red sand and clay in between rooibos, fynbos and apricot trees. After whole bunch pressing, this fermented in stainless before 6 months in neutral, large format French oak. Vibrant stone fruit — nectarine, peach, apricot peel — is scented with tropical melon, pineapple, guava, all wrapped around a waxen, expansive core, and framed with gentle wood spicing. Structural and generous, but held to a 13.5 degree declaration, this young wine well suits protein pairings now, or a couple years' rest in the cellar.