The GD1 Project 2020... a Franschhoek winemakers collab with a passion for Semillon.
Only 600 bottles produced and being sold solely through Susan Stanleys!
I was recently lucky enough to try this wine, and it is NOT your typical Sem. Forget the waxiness and lanolin; this Semillon is fermented in stainless steel and totally smashable. This wine is bursting with fresh lemon and lime... super clean and crunchy. Pool-side wine.
Named for the clone of Semillon used, GD1, this wine is a true collaboration. The producers involved, crushed, and destemmed their individual components and had different winemaking pathways to their finished wine. The only constants were fermentation in stainless steel and no malolactic fermentation - thus capturing the purity and brightness of the Semillon fruit. A blend of these components was meticulously crafted to showcase what we believe is an exciting future for Franschhoek Semillon.
Winemakers:
Clayton Reabow – Moreson
Craig McNaught – Stony Brook Vineyards
Mark van Buuren – Anthonij Rupert Wines
DP Burger – GlenWood
Wikus Pretorius – La Petite Ferme
Dustin Osbourne – Mont Rochelle
Wynand Grobler – De Kleine Wijn Koöp
Marozanne Bieldt and Rob Armstrong – Haut Espoir
JD Roussow – Wildeberg
Tim Hoek – Haute Cabrière
Semillon has played a hugely important role in defining Franschhoek's wine heritage and personality. Some of the country's oldest vines were bush-vine Semillon from Franschhoek, planted way back in 1905. A hugely versatile grape, Semillon allows expression of place in many shapes and forms. The winemaking style in the GD1 Project is a wine that is focused and linear in its youth. In contrast, the genuinely exceptional personality of the wine will be revealed after many years of bottle-maturation. This single block of GD1-clone Semillon was harvested at low potential alcohol, yet perfectly ripe.
Drink now or cellar for 6-10 years.
To purchase check out Susan Stanleys.