2008 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah

Harvested over one week and matured in second fill barrels for a total of 27 months, the 2008 Syrah has a well defined bouquet with more red fruits than black, touches of white pepper interlacing fresh prune (though not in an over-ripe sense), Provencal herbs, allspice and a touch of white fennel. The palate is very harmonious on the entry, soft and quite plush at first, belying the tannic backbone underneath. It is very elegant towards the finish allowing rustic peppery notes to render this one of South Africa’s most expressive Syrahs. Drink 2012-2018+. Franschhoek’s Boekenhoutskloof is rightly regarded as one of South Africa’s leading wineries, the only producer I awarded 5-stars in the 7th Wine Buyers Guide (though I would now add more.) The ever-enterprising Mark Kent has recently acquired a vineyard in Swartland that he intends to use for his Syrah. In the winery, he is currently experimenting with fermentation in Nomblot concrete eggs. See also his “Porcupine Ridge” and “Wolftrap” labels. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, Alabama. Tel 205-949-6262.