Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2019

The Nels of Boplaas in Calitzdorp are masters of fortified wines and therefore a treat to taste the current-releases 2019 plus the upcoming 2021 and 2022 vintages of their Cape Vintage Reserve, all matured for 12 months in Portuguese pipes. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:   

Cape Vintage Reserve 2019
Price: R350
85% Touriga Nacional, 8% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Barocca, 2% Souzao. Extremely aromatic with notes of red and black berries, orange, flowers, herbs, Xmas pudding and spice. Fluid and relatively open already – seamless with a winning smoothness about it. An elegant rather than opulent vintage. Alc: 17.74%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Cape Vintage Reserve 2021
Not yet released.
80% Touriga Nacional, 10% Souzao, 10% Tinta Barocca. Black and blue berries, violets, a leafy quality, earth and tar. The palate is extraordinarily statuesque – full-bodied, fresh acidity and firm tannins, everything necessary to ensure it will keep for decades. Powerful but equally balanced and possessing plenty of drive – recalls the magnificent 2009 vintage. Alc: 17.35%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
Not yet released.
Not yet released. 80% Touriga Nacional, 10% Souzao, 10% Tinta Barocca. Pretty aromatics with top notes of potpourri and fynbos before red and black berries, baking spice and white pepper. Not the deepest palate but pure and focussed – a solid core of fruit, fresh acidity and crunchy tannins. Alc: 18%.  

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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