Rhône theme
Timed Online Auction, 30 January - 10 February 2025
Rhône - South Africa
About the SessionOver the past decade South African Rhône-style offerings have witnessed an explosion in popularity, led by the Swartland in the 2010s and subsequently spreading across the Cape.
ZAR 3 800
About this Item
Established in 1994 and with the first bottlings now already a quarter of a century ago, Boekenhoutskloof has achieved remarkable success over this period through supreme dedication to quality, sustainable farming and smart brand management. The result is a cemented position as one of South Africa’s top producers and a great investor’s pick in the top wines (which also includes Porseleinberg). Driven by the talents of Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke, Syrah is the pick of the range, with critical acclaim from the early vintages, although Cabernet and Semillon follows closely.
The Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is sourced from two properties in the Swartland. These two sites (Porseleinberg and Goldmine) have unique terroir of rocky bedrock and decomposed mica schist soils. This is only the third vintage claiming Wine of Origin Swartland and the blend comprises of 80% Porseleinberg and 20% Goldmine fruit.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘A captivating nose of blackberry, plum, peppercorn and black olive mark the profile of this red. The spicy medium-bodied palate offers plum, black olive and black pepper backed by good acidity and grainy tannins. Delicious notes of thyme shine on the finish.’ – Jesica Vargas, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Apr 2023)
‘Inky purple 2017 balances power & restraint, suppleness & concentration, with pristine blue-black fruit, polished leather & fine integrated oak flavours (ex 2,500L older Austrian foudres) in a sumptuous mouthful. Swartland fruit, spontaneously fermented, 35-40% wholebunch. Like 2016 (4.5 stars, 93 pts), will reward the patient.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (95/100)
‘Gottfried Mocke has the advantage of using grapes from two contrasting but equally wonderful Syrah sites to produce this impressive red: Goldmine on decomposed schist and Porseleinberg on rocky, unyielding schist. Showing subtle stony aromas, it's deftly oaked, layered and very complex, with cherry and blackberry fruit, nuanced tannins and racy, refreshing acidity. One of the Cape's best examples. 2021-32’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100
'The 2017 Syrah has a seductive, beautifully defined bouquet, the pure dark cherry, boysenberry and pressed violet aromas wafting from the glass. The plate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, astutely judged acidity and lovely cohesion. There is a real elegance in this Syrah and a classic finish. You might well mistake it for the Northern Rhône (Cornas ?) if served blind. Superb.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Oct 2019)
‘Floral overtones with gentle garrigue notes, bacon fat and smoky, black, berry fruits. Subtle chocolate notes from oak. Fairly full bodied, but with brisk acidity that enlivens the palate. Powdery tannins give structure. Terrific, elegant, white-pepper-laced finish.’ – Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Dec 2019)
‘Dark, rich red and black fruits with a core of floral black pepper compound each other and create a synergy with the 2017 Swartland Syrah. The spice aromas are well-integrated on the nose. The palate is tightly structured and focused with the precision of high-quality Syrah. The finish is focused and has an assertiveness that is clearly Syrah. With precision of balance, the medium to full-bodied wine lingers on the long finish, which has a tight tannic grip that will last for years to come. 27,000 bottles were produced from a natural and spontaneous fermentation, with 35% whole cluster.’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 91+/100 (Oct 2019)
Other lots that might interest you
