I am looking into my crystal ball and I’m seeing people cheering… a winemaker is being lifted onto someone’s shoulders… glasses are clinking… cellar workers are high-fiving… I can see a certificate… it says Wildeberg White 2023 - ‘Semillon of the Year’!

Sorry, not sure what happened there. Anyway, expressive aromas of waxy melon, yellow apple and lemon pith float out of the glass, along with wafts of almond skin, lemongrass and vanilla. The palate is fresh with citrus flavours that merge into ground hazelnuts and nutmeg. If you like barrel-fermented, white Bordeaux, then you will love the flavours (and the price) on display here. 13% alc. Seriously old Semillon vines. Drink now-2030.

Breaking News: The Wildeberg White 2023 has just been named ‘Semillon of the Year’ (97 points) in the Platter Guide.

Press review:

Tim Atkin MW: “As vineyard sources go, no winemaker would complain about working with parcels that were planted in 1905 (Landau du Val) and 1936 (La Colline). Bready, spicy, textured and intense, it has subtle brown toast and green herb aromas and a palate of lemon, cream and grapefruit. Effortlessly concentrated with very fine 25% new wood. Drink now-2029.” 93 points