2021 Sadie Family Swartland Kokerboom Semillon

Following the Citrusdal Valley north towards Clanwilliam, we come to Sadie’s highest vineyard, Kokerboom. Named for the striking aloe plants that grow near the vines, Kokerboom was planted on Table Mountain sandstone in the 1930’s and is now home to one of Swartland’s few remaining plantings of old-vine Semillon—a variety that at one time, made up 80% of South Africa’s national plantings. Owned and managed by Henk Laing, Sadie notes that, “This is one of the most pristine old vineyards we know. No herbicides or artificial fertilizers have been used on it, and it has been perfectly pruned over the years. The downside is that it is small and low-yielding.”
Kokerboom is a field blend of Semillon Blanc and Semillon Gris, the latter contributing between 20-30% depending on the year. Both Semillons are picked and pressed together and raised in large-format oak. Thanks to its solar exposition, the Semillon ripens extremely well here and has little to none of the tart herbaceousness so often associated with this grape. Instead, the Semillon from this site is known for its ripe lime character with more citrus and chamomile flavours and a waxy texture.

Other Reviews....
The 2021 Kokerboom is a blend of Semillon and Semillon Gris that is whole bunch pressed and aged in. Quite steely on the nose with hints of yellow plum and lanolin, it’s well-defined with a marine influence that becomes more prominent with time. The palate is wonderful: vibrant with yellow fruit, hints of nectarine and pink grapefruit that lend a welcome touch of sourness on the finish. This is a multi-faceted Semillon Blanc/Gris that is fabulous and intellectual.
97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Henk Laing may have left us earlier this year, but the vineyard that he made famous lives on in wines like Kokerboom. Sourced from a 1.5-hectare block planted in the 1930s, this blend of Semillon and 20% Semillon Gris is rich, bold and exotic, with peach, apricot and ginger spice flavours and supporting freshness and minerality. Drink: 2022-2027.
94 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Report 2022