Thor Vintners 'Lara' Semillon 2023 750mL

SOUTH AFRICA : WESTERN CAPE : FRANSCHHOEKORGANIC : SemillonMED-BODIED, RIPE APRICOT, ORANGE PEEL, HONEYCOMB, VANILLA POD, OAKThor Vintners sources this Semillon from Glenwood Vineyards in Franschhoek — one of the variety's most storied terroirs in the Western Cape, where the Robertsvlei Valley's day-night temperature swings preserve acidity through full ripeness. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed, then held on fine yeast lees for eight months with full malolactic fermentation, building texture and mouthfeel without losing lift.The oak approach is deliberate: rather than standard barriques, the wine aged in stainless steel tanks fitted with ceramic and fire-toasted French oak staves. The ceramic moderates extraction; the toasted oak introduces the spice and vanilla character without overwhelming the fruit. The result carries the weight of extended lees contact and the brightness you'd expect from this appellation.PAIRINGS : Roasted chicken with cream sauce MLF texture works with the cream; acidity lifts the dish Poached salmon with beurre blanc classic match for Western Cape Semillon; honeycomb and apricot read cleanly against the butter Mushroom risotto lees-derived weight and the honeysuckle finish pair well with earthiness and cream