Dear *|FNAME|*,

Led by visionary Marc Kent and winemaker Gottfried Mocke, Boekenhoutskloof continues to sit among the top of SA’s fine wine hierarchy. Their 2020s are ‘excellent and worth squirrelling away for 10 years or longer’ says Jancis Robinson, while New World authority Matthew Jukes claims these are ‘wines you cannot live without’!

Under Kent, Boekenhoutskloof ‘launched the Modern Syrah revolution in SA’, explains Tim Atkin. The 97-point 2020 Syrah consists of 90% Porseleinberg fruit, and we agree with Neal Martin that it’s ‘one of the best Syrahs … tasted from Boekenhoutskloof’. This mineral, fresh release is ‘almost Côte-Rôtie-like’ with its lifted florals and meat spice.

The two Cabernet Sauvignons are consistently powerful and impressive, both scoring 95 points from Atkin. The Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is classically structured with deliciously ripe tannins – it’s sure to age for at least another decade. The Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 counters with more fruit definition, fynbos elegance, and a detailed palate. The tannins are layered and textured, and the 14% Cab Franc in the blend adds great freshness and finesse.

The quartet is rounded out with the youthful and perfectly oaked Franschhoek old-vine Sémillon 2020. From vineyards up to almost 120 years old, this is ‘one of the greatest ever Cape whites’, writes Atkin, who awarded it a colossal 99 points and named it his overall White Wine of the Year.

This world-class set offers the perfect opportunity to start a cellar. Please note that the Sémillon is limited to three bottles per customer.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Boekenhoutskloof, Syrah 2020

‘The 2020 Syrah is a 90/10 cuvée of grapes from the Porseleinberg and Goldmine properties and is another triumphant release from Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke. Far from being a blockbuster, this is a subtle, layered wine, with aromas of violet and five-spice, subtle 60% whole bunches and flavours of bramble, blackberry and goji berry. Silky, scented and deftly oaked.’ – Tim Atkin, South Africa Report 2022, 97/100

Boekenhoutskloof, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

‘Very dry with very small berries" is how Gottfried Mocke sums up the 2020 vintage in Stellenbosch. Sourced from four vineyards in Faure and on the Helderberg, this is powerful, structured and intense, with lots of body and backbone. Partnering Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Cabernet Franc, it's bold and inky, with classic black cherry and blackcurrant fruit and vanilla-scented 65% new wood. Natural acidity freshens the finish.’ – Tim Atkin, South Africa Report 2022, 95/100

Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

‘Featuring 14% Cabernet Franc - a higher amount than usual - this Cabernet Sauvignon is "nearly" an estate wine, according to Gottfried Mocke. The more European of Boekenhoutskloof's two releases, it has tarragon and graphite aromas, fine-grained tannins, red pepper, green herb and blackcurrant flavours and a fresh, acid-driven finish. The 80% new wood is very well integrated.’ – Tim Atkin, South Africa Report 2022, 95/100

Boekenhoutskloof, Sémillon 2020

‘Boekenhoutskloof has always made impressive, age-worthy Semillons, but Gottfried Mocke has taken the 2020 to another level of complexity. Using grapes from three old parcels, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, with the largest component from the legendary La Colline vineyard, this includes 2% Muscat d'Alexandrie and some field-blended Semillon Gris. Fermented in two thirds new wood, with the rest seeing concrete eggs and amphoras, it's one of the greatest ever Cape whites. Stony, flinty and layered, with wax, lemongrass and nutmeg flavours and subtle struck match reduction. Wow!’ – Tim Atkin, South Africa Report 2022, 99/100

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