2009 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
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Tasting notes
Same single vineyard in Wellington as for the earlier vintages, planted on decomposed granite in 1993. Fermented in Nomblot concrete eggs and then used Sazury barriques. 'I love this vintage', says founder-winemaker Marc Kent. Picked a little earlier than usual. They started including some stems in this vintage. Deep garnet. Real finesse, tension in the tannins. Peppery dark fruit. Finely grained tannin texture, dark fruit, a touch of smoked meat and very pure. Extremely persistent. Meaty but really clean. Rich, compact, complete and satisfying. Still plenty of life in it. Juicy, peppery finish. (JH)
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Coastal Syrah is open-knit and has a core of fruit that includes blackberry compote with a dash of black pepper and soft wilted purple flowers at its center. On the palate, the structure remains focused, correct and ready go another ten years. There is a slight cheese rind flavor going on in the back of the expression. It ends with a well-structured, long, complex finish. This wine was vinified in large open-top concrete vats with the use of spontaneous fermentation.
Like the Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Syrah is raised in French oak for 27 months, but second rather than first fill. It has a very precise bouquet that demands coaxing. It eventually reveals blackberry, raspberry coulis, Provencal herbs and a scent of ink. The palate is medium-bodied with beautifully integrated oak. This is quite a lascivious Syrah but it is not overbearing and it offers a sensual honeyed texture that is irresistible. This is an outstanding Syrah. Drink now-2020+ It may still be difficult to pronounce but Boekenhoutskloof continues to affirm itself as one of South Africa's leading estates. Mark Kent is an astute helmsman, branching out to regions beyond his base in Franschhoek, for example, into Swartland for his Syrah. I still feel that he could rein in the new oak a little, but otherwise this is another set of superb South African wines. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, Alabama. Tel 205-949-6262.
Restrained but aromatic dark fruit. Lots of sweet oak on the palate, really refined tannins, touch of vanilla and plenty of oak but the fruit holds its own. (JH)