Friends, today we share one of the outstanding producers of South Africa. And don’t miss my Instagram Live today Noon Pacific with Boekenhoutskloof winemaker Marc Kent, just check out my Instagram page @owenbargreen
I discovered these wines back in 2004 while I was in grad school and was massively impressed with the consistency of the wines. A winery with an incredible history, Boekenhoutskloof dates back to 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Bookn-Howed). The Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting program was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon, and Viognier. Today, Marc Kent is the owner, chief winemaker, and driving force behind the dynamic farm.
I loved the new wines across the board. Soft, beautifully textured, with outstanding range, the 2016 Boekenhoutskloff Semillon (OB, 93) is one of the great new world Semillon wines that I have tried over the past year. Just as good is the smoky, savory 2016 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah (OB, 93) which is dense, chewy and downright delicious to savor now. Learn more about this storied winery at https://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za Here are the gorgeous new wines by Boekenhoutskloof.
2016 Boekenhoutskloof Semillon- This shows toasty brioche with melon and stony undertones aromatically. Th palate is fresh and refined with a beautiful texture and great length. Gorgeous now, this will continue to evolve over the next decade. Drink 2021-2028- 93
2016 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah- A beautiful, inky color, the 2016 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah shows off scorched earth with creme de violette, smoked brisket and blackberry pie flavors. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a great acidity, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2016 Boukenhoutskloof ‘Franschoek’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from Franschhoek, this cabernet Sauvignon shows off rich dark currants and shades of scorched earth on the nose with herbal undertones. The palate is downright juicy and densely packed with red and dark fruits with sagebrush, creosote and dark chocolate undertones, giving this an air of decadence. Gorgeous now, this will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2016 Boukenhoutskloof ‘Stellenbosch’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Dense and heady aromatics greet you of scorched earth and blackberry liquor as well as lovely dried herbs and shades of blueberry compote on this gorgeous nose. The palate is viscous and rich, loaded with black and blue fruits and a vibrant air of tension. Enjoy this beautiful Cabernet over the next decade. Drink 2021-2033- 93