Red Wine Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2017. Boekenhoutskloof is headquartered in a charming old farmhouse on the edge of the Franschhoek valley which was built in 1776. The modern winery was established here in 1993 when the estate was bought and fully renovated. Under the visionary leadership of owner and winemaker Marc Kent, it has now become one of South Africa’s leading producers with a focus on top quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines. The grapes used for this opulent Syrah come from their two vineyards in the Swartland, Porseleinberg and Goldmine, which were chosen for their rocky schist soils. This is a particularly intense and perfumed Syrah thanks to the mineral-rich soils and cool nights which helps preserve plenty of aromatics. Marc vinifies each site separately to allow maximum control over the final blend, with each component aged in 2,500 litre or 600 litre casks for up to 18 months before bottling. Violets, licorice, blackberry and dark plum dominate on the nose, followed by undertones of baked earth, black peppercorns, and spice from the oak ageing. On the palate there’s a silky smooth texture, firm tannins, and a generous full body with a long finish seasoned with hints of savoury black olives, cured meat and chocolate. A great wine to keep in the cellar for a bit longer or enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
2017
Red Wine Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2017
Red Wine Borgo Salcetino Lucarello Chianti Classico Riserva 2017. The Livon family have been making excellent white wines in Italy’s northeastern Collio region since the 1960s, but in 1996 Valneo and Tonino Livon decided to embark on a new adventure by acquiring the Borgo Salcetino estate in Radda in Chianti. In total they have 30 hectares, half of which are planted with native Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes as well as some experimental Merlot plots. This classic Chianti Classico Riserva is made from Sangiovese along with a small dash of Canaiolo grown on a mixture of sandy and clay soils in the village of Lucarelli. The fruit is carefully harvested by hand to maintain quality and then fermented in wooden barrels. The young wine ages in wooden barrels in their cellar for 24 months before bottling. Bright red cherry, dried herbs and crushed wild berries dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals an elegant medium body, refined tannins, and smooth texture. The finish is long with a refreshing streak of acidity and gentle notes of baked earth, leather, and pine that linger on the tongue. A great match for tomato-based pasta dishes, charcuterie, or mature cheeses.
2017
Red Wine Bosquet des Papes A la Gloire de Mon Grand Pere Chateauneuf Du Pape 2017. The Boirons purchased Bosquet des Papes right back in 1860 and now the family-run estate is in the capable hands of the sixth generation. One of the oldest winemaking families in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, today the Boirons specialise in crafting traditional-style wines from their 40 parcels of vines spread right across the region. Their vines have an average age of 50 years which helps to create intense, well-structured wines that age beautifully over 8-10 years or longer. This magnificent Chateauneuf du Pape is crafted predominantly from 60-80 year old Grenache vines planted in Gardioles along with a splash of Cinsault. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled concrete vats for around 35 days. The wine is then transferred to demi-muids and large oak foudres for 12-18 months depending on the vintage. This lengthy maturation period adds elegance and poise to this opulent wine which is bursting with crushed cassis, blackberry, plum and dark cherry notes. On the palate there’s a generous full body, robust tannins and a well-defined structure leading onto a long finish. The powerful flavour profile makes this a great choice for further ageing or to enjoy now with hearty game or beef dishes such as roasted venison or beef stews.
2017