Description
The 2020 Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from hand-harvested grapes from selected Stellenbosch vineyards on the north-western slopes of the Helderberg and south-eastern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills. These vineyards grow in decomposed granite soils with maritime influences that contribute to the wine’s minerality and graphite-like profile. After fermentation in tulip-shaped concrete tanks, the wine was aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. The 2020 vintage benefits from a long ripening period and cooler temperatures, which enhanced the fruit flavors and preserved freshness. The wine showcases classic Cabernet Sauvignon freshness with a refined structure, dark fruit, and a distinctive grainy tannin finish.
Producer Profile
INTRODUCTION
Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for making fine furniture. Our 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.
Then there’s the Sandveld chair that has two back rails and a thonged seat which made its appearance in the second quarter of the 19th century. The transitional Tulbagh chair was made in the late 18th century, it has a plain back and a shaped top rail with half-round opening.
The chairs on our 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.
Tasting Notes
Greg Sherwood 96/100
"Stony, broody and tight fisted on the aromatics with a hint of tilled earth, graphite, black cherry and stewed earthy red berries. Lovely power, muscle and shape in the mouth with creamy drying youthful tannins, and a long, black fruited, mineral finish. This is serious Stellenbosch Cabernet. Drink now until 2040+." – Greg Sherwood MW [Greg Sherwood MW, 10/01/2024]
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Selected parcels of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted on the north-west-facing slopes of the Helderberg mountain and south-east-facing slopes of the Polkadraai Hills. Grown on a combination of deep, decomposed granite soils with Table Mountain sandstone and koffieklip (a local iron-rich soil derived from decomposed granite). 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in tulip-shaped concrete tanks at 27-30 C with frequent pumpovers and occasional delestage. Matured for 22 months in Sylvain and Saury 225-litre French oak, 65% new, light toast, long seasoned. TA 5.2 g/l, pH 3.93, RS 3.4 g/l.Made with deliberate austerity suggests founder winemaker Marc Kent. But it still shows rich, ripe pure Cabernet fruit, chewy tannins but already on the way to smooth. Generous and fresh. A hint of chocolate. The freshness of Cabernet Franc sings on the finish. Gorgeously structured but also generous in fruit. Excellent balance between those two aspects of the wine. The little bit of residual sugar does not show (not to me). Compared with the Franschhoek 2020 Cabernet, I would say this has the edge in freshness and slightly more refined tannins. (JH) [31/01/2023]
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2037
