Experience the soulful revival of a South African heritage grape with the Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier Semillon Gris 2023. This captivating skin-contact white wine pays tribute to the “old foot soldier” of the Cape wine industry through meticulous, small-batch winemaking in the Swartland. You will be struck by its distinctive bright copper hue, which the wine gains from a week of fermentation on its skins. Furthermore, winemaker John Seccombe balances this ancient technique with whole-bunch pressing to ensure the final bottle remains elegant and sophisticated rather than just a gimmick. Consequently, this vintage represents a “grown-up” expression of the variety, offering a perfect interplay between savory depth and delicate fruit.
- 94 Points – Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report
- 94 Points – Christian Eedes (Winemag.co.za)
- 94 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
The nose opens with an alluring bouquet of ripe apricot, tangerine rind, and Thai basil, accented by warm notes of gingerbread and toasted pistachio. On the palate, the Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier Semillon Gris 2023 displays a dry, grippy texture with fine tannins that recall the taste of quince and rooibos tea. You will enjoy the rich layers of orange cake and crème caramel that unfold beautifully against a backbone of punchy acidity. Additionally, the saline finish and waxy mouthfeel make it an exceptional partner for complex dishes like spicy North African tagines or fatty pork belly. Because the team bottles this wine without fining or heavy filtration, you may find natural sediment that testifies to its authentic, minimal-intervention roots.