All wines over $25 per bottle will be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Decanter – Smoulders with smoked meat, fennel sausage, smooth dark chocolate and Kahlúa-nuanced blackcurrant, plus sweet, bright, red cherry conserve. Lightly mouth-coating tannins (attractive grip and texture) reinforce the dry, rustic, savoury profile. Sourced predominantly from Boekenhoutskloof’s Porseleinberg and Goldmine farms in Swartland. Syrah and Cinsault are aged in seasoned 2,500-litre French oak foudres and barriques; Grenache in seasoned 600-litre demi-muids and Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) in new French oak barrique. Total production of 2,982 barriques. Satisfying. Drinking Window 2021 - 2028
About This Wine
This cult South African wine from venerable producer Boekenhoutskloof seems to get better with every vintage.
An exotic and vibrant vintage with an iron edge running alongside the inky core of prunes, mulberries, cloves and boasting floral notes. Firm ripe tannins on the palate covered by plums, blackberries and olive tapenade. Textured, composed and seamless in style.
The latest vintage of this cult South African wine from venerable producer Boekenhoutskloof is as rich and flavoursome as ever, but this year seems to have an added touch of elegance. A complex blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Viognier from specially selected blocks, it is full-bodied and rich, with a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Flavours of blackberry, leather, spice and - yes - chocolate. Drink now, or cellar for five+ years. The best vintage we've tasted.
Type | Red Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Cinsault |
Country | South Africa |
Region | Western Cape |
Brand | Boekenhoutskloof |
Vintage | 2020 |
Wines of South Africa
South Africa is a wine region with a long history (first planting in 1655) for a region apart of the New World. In the mid 17th century, lusciously sweet desert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European upper class. However, beyond this, it never really garnered attention on the global stage until more recent times after apartheid ended in the 1990s and the export market opened up. During this time, the region went through a renaissance with many producers adopting new wine making methods and technologies.
The region is quite hot naturally, but most of the vineyards are situated near the coastline. The ocean breezes help keep temperatures moderate so grapes can steadily ripen. Some higher-elevation vineyards also offer similar growing conditions.
Although the country has some defined wine regions, wine styles are more differentiated by grape variety. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are the most planted red grapes however, the country’s signature grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, called Pinotage created at Stellenbosch University in 1925. Wines made from this grape are spicy, earthy, and red fruit driven. When seen in a blend with varietals such as Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is often labelled a “Cape Blend”. In whites, South Africa is known to make top quality Chenin Blanc’s (locally known as Steen) which is the most planted grape in the country. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also widely planted.