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Boschkloof

2021

‘Epilogue’

Syrah   |   Stellenbosch - South Africa

About

The 2021 ‘Epilogue’ Syrah was the only wine to earn 100 points in the 2023 Tim Atkin, MW South Africa Special Report, and it was the 2023 Overall Red Wine of the Year. The ‘Epilogue’ block was planted in 1996 by Jacques Borman following his tremendous success at La Motte in the 1980s and early 1990s. The early results were impressive, but Reenen has really taken this wine to another level. The Borman’s flagship wine was going to be ‘Conclusion’, the Bordeaux-style blend but it was Reenen felt Syrah was the grape that the family best grew and thought this was the next chapter, or epilogue. It was a vineyard that always asked for a little less in every area: less ripeness, less oak, less extraction, etc. The results are nearly unparalleled. This is some of the best wine you will find in the Cape, hands down, and really helps to explain why Boschkloof was named a First Growth producer by Tim Atkin.

The grapes were hand-harvested with 60% being left intact for fermentation. The grapes, both those de-stemmed and whole-cluster, were pressed to open top tanks. Fermentation occurred with both spontaneous and house cultured yeasts. Post-fermentation, 60% of the lot was matured in concrete tanks and the remainder was sent to new 400L French oak barrels for 14 months. The wine aged on the fine lees with one small sulfur addition in the winter and was bottled without fining and just a light sheet filtration.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Syrah – clone SH99
  • Vineyard: Boschkloof Estate
  • Vine Age: 27-years-old
  • Soil Type: Decomposed granite over ironstone
  • Viticulture: Practicing Organic
  • Fermentation: Native & inoculated with house-cultured yeasts – open-top stainless-steel tank (60% whole-cluster)
  • Skin Contact: 12 days
  • Aging: 14 months (60% concrete - 40% new French 400L puncheons)
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.62
  • Total Acidity: 5.2 g/L
  • Total SO2: 69 ppm
  • Total Production: 333 cases
  • UPC: 6008409000144

Tasting Note

Reenen says the 2021 vintage is “the best Syrah he’s ever made.” We couldn’t agree more. This is a singular Syrah with rare power and poise. The nose is brooding, intense, with violets, blackberries and light wood at the forefront. The palate opens to reveal a savory olive character, subtly sweet licorice, and a black pepper spiciness. This wine will age easily for a decade or more. Jaw-dropping and nearing perfection.

 

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