Semillon is such a fantastic grape variety, contributing to some of the world’s finest wines without getting the credit it deserves, whether in the sweet wines of Sauternes, the exquisite dry whites of Bordeaux, the ageworthy wines from the Hunter Valley or cult New World expressions from producers like Boekenhoutskloof and Riccitelli.

Matias Riccitelli has crafted a stunning wine from the 2021 harvest of these gnarly old Semillon vines in Patagonia. Aromas of waxy lemons and green melon skin, cut grass and whetstone lead to a palate that is deep and complex, with lanolin, wild honey, lime peel and fresh dough cut through by wonderfully tangy acidity and a touch of salinity that puts one in mind of a Cretan Assyrtiko. This is Riccitelli’s best vintage yet and is a wine that belongs at the very top table with some of the finest white wines in the world. 12% alc. Drink now-2032.

Press review:

The Wine Advocate: “The serious, elegant and impressive white 2021 Old Vines from Patagonia Semillon is the seventh vintage from the same vineyard. It fermented and matured in foudre, fine-tuning viticulture and yields, fermented with some skins. It matured with the lees for some eight months. It has 12% alcohol and a lot of acidity but is milder than the wines from La Carrera in Mendoza; they have been adjusting yields and picking date to achieve a fresher and umami white with life and energy and year in bottle. Austere, honed and representing the place it comes from. Drink now-2030.” 96 points

Decanter: “Flinty, butternut, vibrant citrus fruit and fresh dough. Pure with razor sharp acidity, great concentration and definition. Hold this for another couple of years if you can resist...” 94 points

Vinous: “The 2021 Semillon Old Vines hails from an old vineyard first planted in 1970 in Allen, Rio Negro, and was aged for a year in foudres. A pale golden colour. The attractive nose presents notes of honey and citrus zest with a touch of camomile and sweet spice. Delicate in the mouth with a smooth, gentle flow, the palate is saline and a little grippy. Nuanced and long-lasting, this is a white with excellent depth of flavour, a kind rarely seen in Patagonia. Drink now-2028.” 95 points

Customer comments:

“The wine went down a storm!” - Ms. R.L.