Alheit Vineyards, La Colline Semillon, Franschhoek, South Africa 2018

In the interplanted La Colline vineyard, the majority of Semillon grapes are gold-skinned, but there are also green, pink and gris colours too. Planted in 1936, it is farmed today by Anton Roux, and since 2015 winemaker Chris Alheit has harvested the grapes together, before whole bunch pressing. The 2018 (with 12% Semillon Gris) has a bit more power than its predecessors; Chris says this is because 20% of the crop comes from the shallow soils at the vineyard’s highest point. Aromas of white citrus, hay and ginger blossom, before a more savoury bay leaf edge and the sweetness of orange peel. Deeply concentrated on the palate, the generous mouthfeel displays orange, white peach and apples. The power is reigned in by energetic acidity and the waxy finish is long and complex.