Boekenhoutskloof, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Region: Stellenbosch, Costal Region, South Africa
Vintage: 2016
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
The nose is complex and alluring, offering redcurrant, black cherry and red plum aromas with whiffs of Herbes de Provence, Cape fynbos and clay dust. The red stone fruit of the nose follows through with flavours of youngberry, boysenberry and notes of lead pencil, pipe tobacco and tealeaf on a smooth palate. Fine-grained powdery tannins contribute to a certain nervosité on the mid- palate, juxtaposed against the opulence of fragrant fruit, firm acidity and smoky cedarwood undertones from integrated French oak. Vibrant berry fruit persists on a clean, focused finish.
Made from selected parcels of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted on the north-western facing slopes of the Helderberg mountain and south-eastern facing slope of the Polkadraai Hills. These parcels of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon grow on a combination of deep decomposed granite soils with Table Mountain sandstone and "koffieklip". The mild maritime influences from the cool False Bay coast and granitic soils are evident in this wine's hallmark minerality and classic graphite-like profile.
Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for making fine furniture. The Boekenhoutskloof label features seven chairs; amongst them the country-style split splat chair made in the neo-classical style with a shouldered top rail and thonged seat from the late 18th century. The chairs on the wine label all pay tribute to the skills of the 18th century craftsmen and their achievements in creating beauty from natural sources, just like the pursuit of fine wine-making.