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Thorne & Daughters

2019

‘Paper Kite’

Old Vine Sémillon   |   Swartland - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

One of the key heritage varieties in South Africa is Sémillon, a grape variety that the modern wine industry was practically built on, but which now finds itself nearly obsolete. There are still a number of incredible, old Sémillon vineyards and John continues to focus on those sites. ‘Paper Kite’ is his expression of old vine Sémillon, and is sourced from the 56-year-old Kweperfontein vineyard in the Paardeberg. These old clones of Sémillon (including a tiny amount of Semillon Gris dotted about) deliver an expression that is very much at odds with the modern, aromatic clones. There is a pure vinosity to this wine that is difficult to describe but very pleasurable.

Semillon, especially from these old clone vineyards, has come to epitomize what John wants in his wines. It provides immense texture and depth, with none of the facile primary characteristics seen in modern clones. As with most of the wines…the winemaking is pretty simple. Handpicked, whole bunch basket-pressed direct to old French oak barrels. Fermentation kicks off naturally with ML following right after. A dose of sulfur in the winter and then again at bottling and that is the only small additive. After 10 lovely months the wine is racked to tank and bottled without fining or filtration.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Sémillon
  • Vineyard: Kweperfontein Vineyard on the Waterval Farm – farmed by Franziska Wickens
  • Vine Age: 56-years-old
  • Soil Type: Alluvial granitic soil
  • Viticulture: Practicing Organic - dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – whole-bunch pressed to old French tonneau
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 9 months in neutral French tonneau
  • pH: 3.39
  • Total Acidity: 5.05 g/L
  • Total SO2: 50 ppm
  • Total Production: 160 cases

Tasting Note

The wine is rich, textured and complex, with aromas of soft dry grass, jasmine and quince. The palate shows a saline minerality with flavors of barley and persimmon.

Press & Reviews

Platter's Guide

94

"Airy 2019 old-vine semillon hints at lemon zest & flowers, with a salty edge. Lower alcohol than previous at 12.7%, but has substance & depth of fruit along with lilting, slippery loveliness. Refined, balanced & lingering. Will reward keeping. Natural ferment & old oak, as for all these."
- Tim James

Tim Atkin, MW

95

"This exceptional white comes from a Semillon vineyard planted in 1963, where 5% of the vines are Semillon Gris. Whole bunch pressed, oxidatively handled and fermented and aged in old wood, it's focused, stony and pithy, despite going through full malolactic, with lime, lanolin and fresh dough notes and wonderful line and length. 2021-26."
- Tim Atkin

The WineMag

92

"From a Swartland vineyard of Semillon and Semillon Gris planted in 1963. Aromatics of citrus, hay and some waxiness. The palate is relatively rich and smooth textured but nicely balanced due to fresh acidity, the finish gently savoury."
- Christian Eedes

Producer


Thorne & Daughters

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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