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Boschkloof

2022

‘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 2022 vintage comes from non-estate fruit, though the Syrah portion (20% 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 10 months, the wines were racked and blended then bottled without fining or filtration and only a small dose of SO2.

Stats

  • Grapes: 80% Grenache - 20% Syrah
  • Vineyard: Skilpadvlei Vineyard (Grenache) - Boschkloof Estate (Syrah)
  • Vine Age: Average: 20-years-old
  • Soil Type: Weathered granite
  • Viticulture: Practicing Organic
  • Fermentation: Native – picking bins (Grenache: 100% whole-cluster - Syrah: 100% de-stemmed)
  • Skin Contact: 12 days
  • Aging: 10 months in concrete (Grenache) and old French oak (Syrah)
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.59
  • Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 85 ppm
  • Total Production: 1,000 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

94

“The 2022 Grenache-Syrah is a blend of 80% and 20%, respectively, the former whole-bunch and matured in concrete, the Syrah in used oak barrels. Borman mentioned that, ultimately, he aims to produce a pure Grenache. The very beguiling bouquet “hugs” the olfactory sense with red berry fruit, clove and pressed rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins and perfectly judged acidity. It’s fine-grained Grenache with a little more structure and grip than expected. Yet the harmony comes through here, and it feels very persistent on the finish. Gorgeous.”

- Neal Martin

Tim Atkin, MW

93

""We completely over-deliver on this wine," says Reenen Borman without false modesty. Blending whole bunch-fermented Grenache with 20% Syrah, it's an intense expression of the granite soils of the Polkadraai Hills. Picked early for acidity and focus, it has aromas of clove, thyme and subtle, meaty reduction, redcurrant and black cherry fruit and savoury, sinewy tannins. 2024-29"

- Tim Atkin, MW

Decanter

91

"Clean, fresh, and crisp, lovely fluid style. The nose is straightforward, though the palate delivers a bit more intrigue. Red fruit juiciness and crunch, with lovely pepper spice. Crunchy, with grippy sappy tannins. Bright, vivid, and very enjoyable. Very nice."

- Tina Gellie
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Producer


Boschkloof

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

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