Although it dates back to 1776, the Boekenhoutskloof estate was restored by its present owners in 1993 and since then its’ wines have become some of the most sought after, not only in terms of South Africa but throughout the wine world. It was awarded Winery of the Year in John Platter’s influential guide of 2012 and frequently achieves 5 star status for the wines. Winemaker and genius Marc Kent is the man who has steered the winery to the reputation it holds today. Our annual allocation is always in high demand (frequently by the same BHK fanatics it should be said!). This year the Cabernet and the Syrah are joined by the Porseleinberg Syrah, a single vineyard wine which reflects the terroir of a very special site.
Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Price per bt: £36.50 (case x 6bts = £219)* / €49.95 (case x 6 bts €299.70)*
Picked over 8 days in March, the 2013 was cold macerated for 5 days before fermentation. Some batches fermented in new French barriques and then all aged in new French (Sylvain) oak for 26 months. Only 804 cases x 6 produced.
Winemaker Marc Kent's tasting note: Back to Heuwelsig’s unmistakable cassis dominance compared to the 2012 that showed more red fruit. A cedary spine covered with dark cherry, waxy crayon earthiness, graphite and enticing fynbos undertones. The palate is packed with blackcurrant and firm ripe tannins suggesting that this wine has at least a decade of ageing potential.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2013
Price per bt: £36.50 (case x 6bts = £219)* / €49.95 (case x 6 bts €299.70)*
Now firmly established as one of the world’s top Syrahs, Boekenhoutskloof rarely disappoints. It has been sourced from a specific site in Wellington since 1998 because of the unmistakable character that the decomposed granite exhibits. From the 2013 vintage Syrah from the Porseleinberg vineyard in Swartland will be part of the assemblage and should give the Syrah even better structure and longevity. The nine different picks at harvest mean the wine has great complexity. Fermentation is with wild yeasts only and the Malolactic completes in 2nd filled Saury barrels. It stays in barrel for 18 months and then receives a light egg white fining and racking before its final 8 months in oak. Half the blend goes into two older 2500lt French oak foudre for the final 8 months. Only 1035 cases x 6 were made. Quantities are extremely limited. Please order asap to avoid disappointment.
Winemaker Marc Kent's tasting note: Loads of violets, blackcurrant fruit pastilles, white and black pepper. The purity and depth of fruit, firm velvety tannins and refreshing acidity shows the massive ageing potential of this vintage. Textured, composed and seamless in style. (13.9% alcohol vol).
Porseleinberg Syrah 2013
Price per bt: £47.95, (case x 12 bts including 10% discount= £517.86)* / €67.99 per bt (€815.88 per case x 12 bts)
“It’s all about the intensity and focus of the fruit: focused, dense and compact with thick tannins and the power and structure to age. A Cape classic in the making. 19/20.”Tim Atkin, Decanter, 18th September 2015
The Porseleinberg vineyard in Swartland has been owned by Boekenhoutskloof since 2009 and is planted in Syrah. It has been found to produce a very particular Syrah with wonderful freshness, spiciness and structure that endows it with great longevity. So impressed have the Boekenhoutskloof team been with the wine that they decided to make a single vineyard wine – hence Porseleinberg. The winemaker, Callie Louw, farms the 18-year-old Syrah vines both organically and biodynamically. Wholebunch fermentation with natural yeasts and very little sulfur addition is followed by ageing in concrete eggs and foudres. The resulting wine is generally regarded as one of Swartland's finest. Quantities are extremely limited.
Winemaker Marc Kent's tasting note: The lively, expressive fruit is both rich and fresh. The medium-bodied palate is enlivened with just the right amount of acidity. Plenty of raspberry fruit underlain with spice and treacly depth contribute to this South African gem.
*due to demand and limited availability orders will be restricted to 1 case of each style per person.
The wines are currently en route on the Atlantic Ocean and we expect them to arrive here mid October, at which time we will contact you to organise delivery.
