Tasting Notes
Boekenhoutskloof in the beautiful Franschhoek valley in South Africa is perhaps best known for this iconic red blend, The Chocolate Block. I also have its amazing Semillon in stock. Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for making fine furniture. The Boekenhoutskloof label features seven chairs, in the words of the winery "to pay tribute to the skills of 18th century craftsmen and their achievements in creating beauty from natural sources, just like the pursuit of fine wine-making."
Marc Kent is the chief winemaker and driving force behind Boekenhoutskloof. He likes to experiment with the unconventional but his principal commitment is to quality. He is also involved with Domaine Gayda whose beautiful Freestyle Blanc I stock; these wines also reflect Marc's commitment to quality.
Boekenhoutskloof describes the style of this wine as "a reflection of our belief that the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is eminently suited to blended reds. The make-up of this wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to best reflect the season and the ancient vines of great character that are an integral part of the wine's charm and personality."
This 2019 vintage is made up of Syrah 71%, Grenache 11%, Cinsault 9%, Cabernet Sauvignon 8% and the white grape, Viognier, 1%. 2019 was very dry and yields low but the smaller, concentrated grapes translates into a very complex wine; the Syrah is the backbone of this wine with black fruits and black olive notes, the Grenache bringing fruit and finesse, the Cinsault floral and strawberry notes and the Cabernet Sauvignon tannins and structure. 1% Viognier gives the red wine an aromatic lift.
This wine will develop a little more over a few years but its lovely texture and myriad of flavours - dark berries, spice, chocolate, white pepper - can be enjoyed now.
This wine is suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans.
Producer's Notes
"The nose is dark, intense and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, espresso and subtle whiffs of perfume. The dark fruit character of the nose follows through onto an exceptionally complex, juicy palate with gentle nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, cloves, and liquorice. The mid-palate is focused, lithe and elegant with very fine, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium bodied, very balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the entire spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and black berries. The finish is svelte, clean and dry, peppery and lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite and smoke."
