2010 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah

The 2010 Syrah was fermented in concrete vats and aged in second fill French oak for 27 months. It has an attractive iodine-scented bouquet with touches of blueberry and cassis. The palate is well-balanced with sappy black cherries and blueberry on the entry, a hint of spearmint developing toward the middle and finish. Fresh and vibrant, this is a delightful Syrah to drink over the next 4 or 5 years. Drink now-2018. Boekenhoutskloof has been one of Franschhoek’s, indeed one of South Africa’s leading wineries for a number of years under the inspired leadership of Mark Kent. Their entry-level ranges, Porcupine Ridge, Chocolate Block and Wolftrap, serve as many consumers’ introduction to South African wines and they represent great value, while their top wines have won plaudits both at home and abroad. However, this was the first time where I felt that the wines had been pushed a little too hard, as if they were aching to impress and tripped over their shoelaces in the process. In recent vintages I have felt that although there is a long period of oak maturation, the wines have just about retained varietal typicity and personality, but here there were one or two examples where it just felt excessive, tipped over the edge and becoming detrimental to the wine. Essentially, I felt that the maximum rather than the optimal amount of oak was being utilized. As other producers adopt considered approaches to their oak regime, I would not want to see such an important winery to be overtaken. Take the first, for example. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 949-6262