Boschkloof, established in 1995, is named after the natural ravine, or kloof, on the farm. The landscape features rolling hills and picturesque mountain backdrops, with soil primarily composed of decomposed granite and koffieklip. Initially, the vineyards were planted with Cape Riesling, but Jacques Borman, the founder, decided to replace it with cultivars better suited to the land, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Today, Boschkloof is renowned for its Syrah, particularly the single vineyard bottling called Epilogue, which became the first South African red wine to score 98 points from an internationally acclaimed critic.
Now, Jacques’ son Reenen leads the estate, with Jacques still providing guidance when needed. Reenen has infused a fresh perspective into the already thriving estate. His education and work in the Rhône Valley have significantly influenced his approach, as have his relationships with the new wave of South African winemakers. The Bormans prioritize sustainable farming methods, ensuring all grapes are handpicked to maintain their quality before entering the cellar. In the cellar, a hands-off vinification approach is taken, using ambient yeast fermentations (with occasional pied de cuve when fermentation kinetics are slow) to highlight the terroir and convey a sense of place in the wines. Reenen has significantly reduced the use of new oak and introduced alternative fermentation and aging vessels, such as concrete and terra cotta. The goal is to create timeless wines that tell a story and embody great personality within a high-quality range.