97 points from South Africa’s Winemag (above virtually all of that country’s $100+ whites):
32% Roussanne, 29% Semillon, 19% Chardonnay, 16% Chenin Blanc and 4% Clairette Blanche sourced from the Cape winelands. Sensational aromatics of green, white and yellow fruit, flowers, herbs and spice plus a touch of flinty reduction – very expressive but not at all vulgar or overwrought. The palate has great fruit definition, a lovely line of acidity and finish that is long and dry. Precisely made, the whole very much more than the sum of the parts.
96 from Britain’s leading South African critic, Tim Atkin:
Rocking Horse showcases John Seccombe's skills as a blender, combining Roussanne with 68% Semillon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Clairette Blanche from the Ceres Plateau, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, the Swartland and the Voor Paardeberg. Nutmeg, fennel and candle wax aromas segue into a palate of pear, lemon and lime, with a hint of stone fruit sweetness and a chiseled finish.
And Vinous:
The 2021 Rocking Horse is Semillon and Roussanne dominated, a vineyard selection, malo in neutral barrels. Fragrant on the nose with white flowers and honeysuckle scents, this is beautifully defined. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, linear and taut with a touch of pithiness on the complex finish. Superb. 2023 – 2033
There are simply NO white Burgundies, white Rhones or dry white Bordeaux under at least $100 that can hold a candle to this. And I’d rather drink it than any of the $300 Sine Qua Non white blends, too.
And I like that the critics note how well this can age…though it’s absolutely fantastic already.
