Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2015:
‘Refined 2015 from centenarian Franschhoek vines. Effortless ease from its quiet yet insinuating lemon verbena scents, silky textural flow to firm, dry and endless conclusion. Natural ferment, 9 months lees-ageing in old oak complexing extras, as on all 3 wines. Long life ahead.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*

‘Taken from a vineyard that was planted in 1904 (the oldest Semillon in the Cape, apparently), this glorious 2015 is a one of for John Seccombe, alas. Old wood fermented with 100% malolactic, it’s herbal and citrus-edged with aromas of white fowers and baking spices and a chiselled, almost chalky finish. A stunning white.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 95/100

2016:
‘Outstanding old vine semillon (blanc & gris) ex Franschhoek & Swartland. 2016 combines concentration & lightness from its lifted natural acid, texture & complexity. Subtle waxy, lees-toasty notes promise much more savoury evolution over several years.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)

‘A blend of 85 year old Semillon and 56 year old Semillon Gris from Siebrietskloof in the Paardeberg, the beauty has a rich opulent aromatic lift of lime peel, waxy lemons, white peach and tangerine peel. There are lovely dried herb nuances of thyme combined with sappy crushed leaves. The palate is creamy and intense, brimming with sweet pineapple pastille fruit concentration, tangy fig confit, granitic stoney minerality, finishing with a massively long finish that resonates around the back palate. Wow… A really profound, expressive fine wine. Chase it… buy it… drink it!’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 96+/100 (May 2017)

‘John Seccombe’s world class Semillon comes from two vineyards: La Colline in Franschhoek and a 53-year-old block in the Swartland. Honeysuckle and beeswax aromas segue into a textured, spicy, leesy palate sustained by acidity. The oak is the faintest whisper here. 2018-24’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

‘Porcelain elegance. White pepper and fresh peach, very long, balanced, persistent flavour. Still a lot to unfurl.’ – Nancy Gilchrist MW, Decanter.com, 96/100 (Oct 2017)

‘Whereas the extraoridinary 2015 was from Semillon grown on Franschhoek property Landau du Val, this is a combination of fruit from a 1964 vineyard in the Swartland and the Franschhoek vineyard La Colline planted in the 1930s. The nose is quite shy with hints of stone fruit, hay and honey in evidence. The palate meanwhile possesses real presence, the way it sits in the mouth being what’s most distinctive about it – lovely texture and breadth.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (May 2017)

‘Rich and intense aroma of spice, cedar, almost honeyed citrus. Generous and more honeyed on the palate, but dry in the texture and on the fresh aftertaste.’ – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Oct 2017)