Berry Bros – Special Offer – 2018 Boekenhoutskloof Latest Releases
Many of you may associate Boekenhoutskloof with their cult favourite wine, ‘Chocolate Block’ and their most recent everyday drinking range, ‘Porcupine Ridge’, but for many years now, Boekenhoutskloof has been synonymous for producing some of the best Syrah South Africa has to offer. We are delighted to offer you an advanced preview of the latest release as a valued Cellar Plan member.
Dating back to 1776 and situated in the picturesque Franschhoek valley, the estate has undergone significant changes since its purchase and restoration in 1993 by Marc Kent, one of South Africa’s leading winemakers, along with six business partners (the seven chairs on the label of Boekenhoutskloof pay tribute to this heptet). A new vineyard planting programme was quickly established, with a heavy French influence, focusing primarily on Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.
In 1996, Boekenhoutskloof produced their inaugural vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon to notable acclaim. Since then, the estate has gone from strength to strength, acquiring the celebrated Porseleinberg farm in Swartland to ensure consistent and top-quality fruit, in particular Syrah and in 2012, were awarded the ‘John Platter’s Winery of the Year Award’ and again, more recently in 2020. It is worth noting that Boekenhoutskloof moved into their new cellar in 2018 and since then, the quality of the wines has dramatically improved as a result, with Gottfried Mocke joining the team as Chief Winemaker having built his reputation at neighbouring Chamonix.
The ‘estate’ Syrah is sourced from two properties within the Swartland: the aforementioned Porseleinberg and Goldmine (neighbouring Mullineux’s Roundstone vineyard). Both sites provide unique terroir comprised of schist soils and rocky bedrock, with the majority of the blend made up of fruit from Porseleinberg (roughly 80%). The Syrah tends to show perfumed aromatics, concentration and tightly knit structure. The 20% blend from Goldmine, lends richness and density.
Quite simply, this is an outstanding wine for the money and would make an excellent addition to any short to mid-term drinking cellars. Who knows, these may even turn the heads of those die-hard Francophiles out there too! Tuck in whilst you can.
2018 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
£162 per 6 bottle case in bond
“The 2018 Syrah’s powerful nose draws you into this wine immediately, dark fruits dominate here, predominantly blackberry and plumb, with then hints of cherry followed by a subtle savoury note of black olive and spice. This full-bodied wine greets you with dominating black fruits, blackberry and dark plumb carry with hints of liquorice, cured meat, cocoa and spice. There is a wonderful elegancy about this wine’s finish that is deliciously smooth and prolonged. Drink 2022 – 2032.”
Edward Howell, Private Account Manager
“Given that 80% of Boekenhoutskloof’s Syrah now hails from Porseleinberg (the remainder is from Goldmine), it’s no surprise that this is such an impressive wine. Fermented with 40% whole bunches, it’s subtle, scented and almost delicate, with filigree tannins, rose petal top notes, some clove and nutmeg spice and a hint of oak. Drink 2022-2030.”
97/100. Tim Atkin MW
“The third vintage of this stellar wine using only Swartland grapes – 80% from Porseleinberg (‘for blue-fruit freshness, concentration and structure’ says Marc Kent) and 20% from Goldmine (‘depth and richness’). Amazing concentration on nose and palate, boasting sappy and stalky vibrancy from 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Rich, full, velvety mouthfeel, with 18 months in old foudres and demi-muids giving gentle pepper and exotic spice notes. Elegant, pure and juicy, with an ethereal floral lift that carries through the long finish. Drink 2021-2030.”
97/100. Tina Gellie, Decanter
The wines are due to land with us in November 2021.
