Dear *|FNAME|*,

After 17 years, two red wines have finally been deemed worthy of Paul Boutinot and Nadia Langenegger's vision. Wines are only produced under the Waterkloof label when the vineyard blocks offer something extraordinary, and these superb new releases are true expressions of their Schapenberg terroir.

The Waterkloof Syrah 2020, from a 20-year-old vineyard on decomposed granite, is everything you want from a great Syrah. It’s ‘vivid, vital and intense’, writes Christian Eedes, with incredible aromatics, fine tannins, and a depth of fruit that's rarely seen in SA Syrah. ‘Profoundly good’, says Christian.

Nadia sees the Waterkloof Boreas 2020 as their ‘vinous apogee, named after the fiercest wind god and face of Waterkloof’. This is a celebration of Cabernet Franc and their first Bordeaux-styled release. A blend of 51% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a brilliant, exceptionally elegant wine with powdery tannins and a subtle, lingering end.

The Boreas 2020 is from a vineyard that’s just 5km from the ocean, at about 240-250m above sea level, and from a combination of decomposed granite and compacted sandstone. Farming is organic and regenerative with no irrigation. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed (with the exception of Cabernet Sauvignon) and fermented in old open-top fermenters with wild yeast before spending 27 months in French oak barriques (10% new) and 9000-litre old French oak foudres. The Waterkloof Syrah 2020 is 100% whole-bunch pressed and spends 24 months in old 600-litre French oak barrels. Both wines are extremely limited.

Established in 2003, Waterkloof was chosen for its marginal nature, interesting soil types and exposition. Meticulous viticulture along with time and patience have resulted in delicious reds that are nurturing, dry and refined. These are wines for the soul.

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Tasting notes

Waterkloof Syrah 2020

‘Grapes from a wind-affected SE-facing block planted more than 20 years ago on decomposed granite. 100% whole-bunch fermented before maturation lasting 24 months in older 600-litre barrels. Red and black berries, orange, fresh herbs, cured meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate has great fruit definition, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Vivid, vital and intense. Alc: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100

Waterkloof Boreas 2020

‘51% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Whole-bunch fermented with the exception of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 27 months in 225-litre barrels, of which 10% were new, and 9,000-litre foudre. Red and black berries, rose, violet, and pencil shavings on the nose while the palate is medum-bodied with great clarity of fruit, acidity that kicks and mouth-coating, powdery tannins. Wonderfully well-defined without being at all forceful. Alc: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100

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