Boekenhoutskloof new releases

To celebrate 30 years of winemaking at Boekenhoutskloof, a tour of the cellar with one of the founders and original winemaker Marc Kent followed by an extraordinary tasting that included the five component parts of the Semillon 2019 (see here) before the new releases.

Semillon 2023
Price: R650

From three old vineyards (1902, 1936 and 1942). Includes 3% Muscat d’Alexandrie. Matured for 14 months, 70% in new barrels, 30% in concrete eggs, the Muscat in amphorae. A hint of vanilla before citrus, peach, blackcurrant and floral perfume on the nose. The palate is balanced with good fruit expression and a nicely dry finish. Polished which is to say creamy in texture but not unduly weighty. A more elegant vintage. Alc: 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Classic

Syrah 2023
Price: R650

W.O. Swartland – 90% of grapes from Porseleinberg, 10% from Goldmine.  65% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 18 months in 600-litre barrels and 2,500 litre foudre. Heady aromatics of red and black berries, peach, olive and white pepper. A rich, smooth textured palate with moderate acidity and fine-grained tannins. Luscious and full of flavour. Alc: 14.23%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Luxurious

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Price: R650

Grapes from Helderberg and Vlottenburg. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 60% new. Red and black berries, violets, vanilla and spice on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Well balanced, sleek, already quite open and accessible. Alc: 14.24%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Delicious

Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Price: R650

Includes 14% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 80% new. Enticing aromatics of red berries, rose, some leafiness, bouquet garnie and a hint of pencil shavings. The palate is medium bodied and pleasantly austere – pure fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins. Elegant and detailed. Alc: 14.25%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Serious

Noble Late Harvest 2022
Price: R715 per 375ml bottle

From a Semillon block planted in 1997. Matured for 36 months in new oak. The nose shows lemon, orange, flowers, herbs, the merest hint of mushroom, vanilla and spice. The palate is sumptuous yet precise – great clarity of fruit matched by bright acidity, not too viscous and carries its oaking very well. Alc: 9.6%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Distinctive

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