Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite Old Vine Semillon 2023 750ml

One of South Africa’s key heritage varietals is Semillon, a grape that once formed the foundation of the modern wine industry but now occupies a smaller presence in the region’s viticultural landscape. However, several remarkable old Semillon vineyards still exist, and we have had the privilege of working with some of them.

Paper Kite is our expression of old vine South African Semillon, sourced from a 60-year-old vineyard in Swartland. These old clones of Semillon, including a small amount of Semillon gris scattered throughout the vineyards, offer a distinctive expression that contrasts with modern, aromatic clones. The wines produced are hauntingly beautiful and complex, often taking years to fully reveal their aromatic potential.

The wine displays savory aromas of gunflint, thyme, and lemongrass. On the palate, it shows both focus and breadth, with initial flavors of lime, yellow apples, and salted pistachios leading to a rich finish of meringue and nougat.