Boplaas Cape Tawny Single Harvest Colheita 2005

At a function to celebrate 45 vintages by Carel Nel and 18 by daughter Margaux at Calitzdorp cellar Boplaas, a chance to taste the Cape Tawny Reserve 1995 next to the Colheita 2005 and 2007.

The 1995 rated 96 on review in September 2016, and proof that time in bottle does Tawny no harm, it gets the same score now.

The 2005 is also very fine. A blend of 70% Tinta Barocca and 30% Touriga Nacional, it spent 16 years in 500-litre Portuguese oak barrels. Bright orange in colour, the nose shows potpourri, orange, caramel and spice while the palate is relatively light and fresh with a dry finish. An elegant and detailed expression of the style. Price: R750 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

The 2007 (blend as above) is deeper in colour – brown with a green rim. The nose shows orange, mint humbug and some nuttiness while the palate doesn’t have quite the same flavour intensity and intricacy as the 2005.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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