Franschhoek does many things beautifully, dramatic mountain backdrops, world-class hospitality, culinary brilliance, but increasingly, it does Semillon better than almost anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere.
Once overlooked, now revered, Semillon has emerged as the quiet hero of this storied valley. Home to four of South Africa’s ten centenarian vineyards (three of them Semillon – one recently threatened by the wildfires in the area), Franschhoek’s old vines are finally yielding the recognition they have long deserved. As Tim Atkin MW’s emphatic “Wow!” for Boekenhoutskloof’s old vine Semillon reminds us, this valley has a siren song, and it sings in Semillon.
This week, two of our best-selling expressions arrive back in stock, and both capture that song in very different keys.
Holden Manz Reserve Semillon, from 25-year-old Franschhoek vines, previously crowned top wine in the Prescient Minority Report and awarded 95 points by Greg Sherwood MW. Precision, poise, and pedigree from one of the valley’s most dependable estates.
And then there is Lokaïa “Pound of Flesh” Semillon, textured, enigmatic, amphora-kissed and quietly radical. Crafted by Clayton Reabow and Craig McNaught, it explores Franschhoek’s proposed sub-regions with grit and conviction. Named for the God of Dreams from Hans Christian Andersen’s darker tales, it’s a wine of nuance, intrigue… and undeniable presence.
Franschhoek Semillon has attained cult status for good reason. Old vines. Complex structure. A rare ability to age and unfurl like a story told over seven nights.
Remember, as part of our ongoing Fire Fund initiative, 50% of all Franschhoek wine profits are being donated to rebuilding efforts in the valley.
Drink beautifully. Give meaningfully.
This is Franschhoek in a glass.
Franschhoek Sémillon
Restocking the Best-Sellers
The Holden Manz Semillon Reserve 2021 shows in the glass a bright lemon yellow with fine green reflections. On the nose, fresh aromas of lemon zest, ripe mango, and white blossoms unfold, accompanied by a hint of herbal spice and delicate minerality. On the palate, it is dense and elegant at the same time – creamy in texture, with lively acidity and clear fruit. Notes of grapefruit, tropical fruits, and a fine touch of vanilla from the wood blend harmoniously. The finish is long, fresh and precise, supported by citrus and a subtle, salty elegance.
“The small production boutique Pound of Flesh Semillon made from Stony Brook vineyards in the Bo-Hoek area of Franschhoek has been one of the truly great new release white revelations of the past two to three years in South Africa. This cultivar is in its terroir home in the Franschhoek Valley and simply excels there, showing intense aromatics of white peaches, lime peel, lemon grass, freshly cut Granny Smith apples with complexing hints of white blossom, dried herbs, wet hay, lanolin and intricate mineral notes of crushed gravel. The palate is equally enticing, showing incredible fruit concentration as well as a piercing glassy acidity, all concertinaed into a very taut, tight, linear but explosive package. With the amphorae winemaking and early picked freshness and purity, the Pound of Flesh Semillon represents a sublime expression of nervy, crystalline white wine with an enviable vibrancy and precision. If you missed the earlier vintages, do not miss this inspiring 2022 release. Drink now and over the next 5 to 8+ years.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
Join us for the first of our 2026 monthly tasting evenings, where you can sip and swirl your way through a variety of exquisite wines.
Get ready to sip and savour six exquisite wines on February 27, 2026 at 6:30pm at Museum Wines. For our first tasting of the year we are heading to the Swartland region of South Africa, tasting three white and three red wines from fabulous producers Natte Valleij, Swerwer, City on a Hill and De Kleine Wijn Koop. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for you. We have free parking. See you there! 18+
Price: £15
