Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah 2018
By Christian Eedes, 19 June 2020
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3
Zero defects.
Why has Epilogue Syrah from Stellenbosch property Boschkloof been such a stellar success in recent times? Upon reviewing the recently released 2018, I’m given to think it’s because it manages to combine power with grace and therefore satisfy both establishment and hipster wine drinkers equally.
Grapes picked in different batches, 30% of the blend is whole bunch fermented, with the rest destemmed. Regarding maturation, 25% of the wine went into concrete with the rest spends time in 400-litre vats of which 30% were new. Alcohol is 13.5%.
The nose is deep and complex with top notes of incense and dried herbs before dark berries, olive tapenade, vanilla, earth and black pepper while the palate is full but balanced – there’s plenty of fruit power in evidence but the wine is not short of freshness; the tannins meanwhile are fine and mouth-coating, the finish impressively long and savoury. At once, gentle and forceful.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
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3 comment(s)
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Hansie van Niekerk | 20 June 2020
Jacques has always been a master at Shiraz-nature decides if it’s 15% or 13.5%. – mooi Borries gaan so voort!
Kwispedoor | 21 June 2020
Yes, Hansie, if it’s in your nature to pick earlier, the alcohol goes down from 15% to 13,5%. 😜 I do think that Reenen’s lighter hand has led to an improvement in the wines, but I also fondly remember that Jacques made some of the country’s best Shiraz from the late eighties onwards. A talented family and nice fellows to boot.
Colin Harris | 19 June 2020
I think the reason for the recent success is because Reenen has a lighter touch than Jacques. I liked Jacques old school wines, but they were 15%+ monsters and tiring to drink sometimes. Reenen has reigned those alcohols nicely in.