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Boschkloof

2023

‘Kottabos’

Grenache-Syrah   |   Stellenbosch - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Kottabos is a Greek drinking game of the highest skill – where after many glasses of wine one elegantly flings the leftover lees from naturally unfiltered wine toward predetermined targets in the room with fellow drinking friends. The relaxed nature of the game by performing its skillful task while still seated at the communal dining table made for great fodder. Kottabos – in the case of this wine – is a small side project from Reenen Borman of Boschkloof, meant to capture a more experimental style than his Boschkloof label. The majority of the fruit for the 2023 vintage comes from non-estate fruit, though the Syrah portion (26% of the blend) comes from the Boschkloof Estate in the Polkadraai Hills.

The Grenache was handpicked Skilpadvlei Vineyard in the Polkadraai Hills and the Syrah came from the Boschkloof Estate. The grapes fermented in separate picking bins. The Grenache was fermented entirely whole-bunch, while the Syrah was entirely de-stemmed. After 12 days on the skins, the lots were pressed individually, and the Grenache aged in concrete while the Syrah aged in old oak. After 12 months, the wines were racked and blended without fining and bottled with just a light sheet filtration and a small dose of sulfur.

Stats

  • Grapes: 74% Grenache - 26% Syrah
  • Vineyard: Skilpadvlei Vineyard (Grenache) - Boschkloof Estate (Syrah)
  • Vine Age: 15-years-old (Grenache) - 28-years-old (Syrah)
  • Soil Type: Weathered granite
  • Viticulture: Practicing Organic
  • Fermentation: Native – picking bins (Grenache: 100% whole-cluster - Syrah: 100% de-stemmed)
  • Skin Contact: 12 days
  • Aging: 12 months in concrete (Grenache) and old French oak (Syrah)
  • Alcohol: 13.4%
  • pH: 3.59
  • Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 89 ppm
  • Total Production: 545 cases
  • UPC: 0700083660480

Tasting Note

This wine presents a perfumed nose of red and black fruits, fynbos, and subtle white pepper, accompanied by a touch of earth. On the palate, a luxurious juiciness intertwines with fresh acidity, while grippy tannins add structure. The dance of these elements, coupled with evolving spice notes, delivers a wine that is both immediately enjoyable and intricately complex.

Press & Reviews

Vinous

93

"The 2023 Grenache-Syrah Kottabos is a blend of 74% and 26%, respectively, with the Grenache whole-bunch-pressed and aged in concrete and the Syrah done in older French oak barrels. This has an exquisite rose-petal-infused bouquet with Morello cherry and raspberry, very well defined and transparent. The palate is medium-bodied with a slight crunchiness and powdery tannins, displaying cranberry and pomegranate with a peppery finish. Excellent."

- Neal Martin

Tim Atkin, MW

93

"'I know how to vinify granite,' says Reenen Borman with no false modesty. This blend of Grenache and 26% Syrah proves his point. Subtle whole bunch aromas (on the Grenache) provide a spicy top note to a palate of summer berry, black cherry and blueberry fruit framed by understated oak and filigree tannins."

- Tim Atkin, MW
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Producer


Boschkloof

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

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