BoekenhoutskloofProducer from Coastal Region, South Africa

Rated as a South African First Growth by leading wine critic Tim Atkin MW

Boekenhoutskloof is an exceptional success story in South Africa, with Marc Kent leading the charge in the renowned "Swartland revolution," which showcased the region's Syrah wines on the global fine wine stage. 

"The wine that launched the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa" - Tim Atkin MW

Established in 1776, the winery has a deep-rooted history in the Franschhoek Valley, with its name meaning "ravine of the Boekenhout," inspired by the majestic Yellowwood trees that grace the vineyard landscape. The key to success has been Marc Kent, the Managing Partner & Technical Director, who is a visionary, fearlessly exploring unconventional approaches while unwavering in his commitment to uncompromising quality. Boekenhoutskloof's investments in the Swartland wine region played a vital role in founding the Swartland Revolution and the Swartland Independent Producers Association.

In 2015, Gottfried Mocke joined as winemaker, pushing boundaries further, earning the prestigious title of South Africa's Winemaker of the Year in 2020. Boekenhoutskloof's diverse range of wines reflects their distinct personality and commitment to excellence. Tim Atkin MW has classified Boekenhoutskloof as a 'First Growth' estate, a prestigious designation that attests to the exceptional quality and stature of the winery.

Boekenhoutskloof Syrah:

Boekenhoutskloof’s Syrah has been accredited to launching the modern Syrah revolution in South Africa becoming iconic in the wine world. Stylistically it has been described as “hermitage-like” and a wine “with its feet firmly planted in the earth while its head is in the clouds such is the scale and majesty of its posture” (Matthew Jukes MW).

Hand-harvested grapes are fermented in tulip-shaped concrete tanks for spontaneous fermentation using a combination of partially destemmed and whole-bunch clusters (around 60%). Coming from two of the region’s most famous vineyards, Porseleinberg with it’s hard and rocky bedrock of decomposed Mica-Schist and Goldmine made up of Brown Schist with deposited Table Mountain Sandston. The unique blend of these two properties gives rise to expressive wines with both concentration and structure, crafted from this Rhône grape variety.

Renowned wine critic Tim Atkin describes Boekenhoutskloof Syrah as a captivating wine that embodies the essence of Franschhoek, with richness, depth, and effortless elegance. Neal Martin affirms the winery's skill in crafting wines that are both powerful and refined, hailing the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah as a true masterpiece.

Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon:

Boekenhoutskloof produces two types of Cabernet Sauvignon: one from Stellenbosch and the other from Franschhoek. Each wine reflects its unique terroir. The Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch is powerful, structured, and intense. It is sourced from carefully selected vineyard parcels on the northwestern slopes of the Helderberg mountain and the southeastern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills. Tim Atkin affectionately refers to this region as "the Pauillac of Stellenbosch," which is evident in its pencil lead character.

The Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon comes from nearby vineyards grown on alluvial soils and decomposed granitic soils. A small portion of Cabernet Franc is blended in, which adds elegance, brightness, and a perfumed character to the wine. Both Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon wines are excellent examples of the quality the estate offers.

Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block:

The Chocolate Block by Boekenhoutskloof is no ordinary wine. It has earned the reputation of being one of South Africa's most commercially successful reds. This wine serves as an excellent introduction to the incredible wine scene of South Africa. Combining superb value for money with a bold and expressive style, it captivates wine enthusiasts with its swagger.

A Rhône-inspired blend of predominantly Syrah, followed by portions of Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier form the foundation. While being robust and structured, this wine embodies delicacy, poise, and elegance all at once.

Boekenhoutskloof Semillon:

The Semillon is world-class and incredibly unique having been grown from vines with over 100 years of age. Beautifully yellow in colour with complexities of orange marmalade, flint, waxy lees, and oak. The wines are consistently being awarded high scores by Platters Guide, Tim Atkin, and Vinous.

Boekenhoutskloof’s Semillon is one of South Africa’s most age-worthy white wines in South Africa. Tim Atkin sums it up perfectly, saying, "Boekenhoutskloof's Semillon is a wine that South Africa can be proud of, showcasing the region's winemaking prowess with every sip."

Link to Boekenhourskloof winery.