July 27, 2024
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2018 Vintage Release
Boekenhoutskloof is a true South African icon. Run by self-proclaimed maverick Marc Kent whose attention to detail and commitment to quality has earned him many accolades firmly placing South African wines on the global fine wine map. His emphasis on selecting grape types that flourish in the sub-regions of South Africa including Swartland, Porseleinberg, and Franschhoek has been one of his key successes. Franschhoek is well suited to produce Bordeaux-style Cabernet’s where as Swartland and especially the famed Porseleinberg vineyard produced the finest Syrah in the country.
Tim Atkin highlights how the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah singlehanded “launched the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa". 80% of the fruit for the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is now sourced from Porseleinberg and the remainder next door at Goldmine.
Wine critic Matthew Jukes reminisces how fond he was of the 2000 vintage of the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah and how much 2018 reminds him of this legendary wine. The 2018 vintage is “back with a brooding bang and loaded with Hermitage-like malevolence” with “the oak integration is near perfect and this allows the fruit to sing.” (Matthew Jukes).
Tim Atkin awarded the Syrah 97-Points which is amongst the highest scoring wines of the vintage calling it an “impressive wine”. Coming in at just €190 In Bond per 6x75cl case, compared to the big names of Rhone like Guigal, Jamet and Jaboulet, Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is an absolute steal. Do take a moment to read the full tasting notes from Matthew Jukes.
Having tried the wine last week, we strongly believe that if you buy just one South African wine this year, it should be this one.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2018
19+ / 20 Points | Matthew Jukes
I have never forgotten the 2000 vintage of this wine, which I wrote up in one of my books many moons ago. In the blink of an eye, the perfume on this 2018 vintage took me back to that great wine and while this label has been known to wander off into the forest in certain vintages, it is back with a brooding bang and loaded with Hermitage-like malevolence in 2018. With a melange of both red and black fruit tones and considerable aromatic lift on the nose, this is a Syrah with its feet firmly planted in the earth while its head is in the clouds such is the scale and majesty of its posture. Like the other reds in this vintage, the oak integration is near perfect and this allows the fruit to sing. If there is one wine to drink before the other reds, then this is it, and while it might be a criminal offence to drink this wine so young, I am sure you will break the law for a flavour as enthralling and all-encompassing as this one.
97 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Given that 80% of Boekenhoutskloof's Syrah now hails from Porseleinberg (the remainder is from Goldmine), it's no surprise that this is such an impressive wine. Fermented with 40% whole bunches, it's subtle, scented and almost delicate, with filigree tannins, rose petal top notes, some clove and nutmeg spice and a hint of oak.