O Produtor, tasting note published in March 20th 2023
The nose is dark and intense with ample black berry fruits, graphite and pencil lead aromas, whiffs of dustiness and an attractive bouquet garni of fresh oregano, tarragon, sage and bay leaf. Blueberries, blackberries and ripe plums dominate a fresh, chalky palate, with lithe, supple tannins and vibrant, refreshing acidity. The wine is juicy, textured, and balanced, with hints of rosemary and thyme lingering on a juicy, plush finish.
The Porcupine Ridge brand has its origins in the natural environment of the farm and the ongoing efforts to conserve the biodiversity of the property and the surrounding mountains. As well as a number of rare species of fauna and flora – such as the erica lerouxiae, which is endemic to Boekenhoutskloof – the estate is home to several families of crested porcupines, which, however, are rarely seen due to their nocturnal lifestyle. “These wines are honest, true to type and cultivar. Our winemaking philosophy has always been to follow a natural approach, with no acidification and no additions. The resulting wines are much more about generous weight on the palate than simple primary flavours followed by acidity. ” ~ Marc Kent
WINEMAKING AND WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
Our grapes were again mainly sourced from the Helderberg area near Stellenbosch. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for ripening relatively late, which means that the vines and grapes are much less subject to the warmer temperatures experienced during early summer. We harvested our Cabernet Sauvignon vines when our vines reached optimum ripeness levels during the long season. The wines show fantastic flavour and fruit concentration with noticeably lower alcohol levels, with a fine tannin structure and good colour extraction. We used a small percentage of Cabernet Franc to enhance the flavour profile, giving our cuvée a lovely fruity character, a silky texture and a subtle fragrance. The clever use of French oak for 9 months contributes to the complexity and structure of the wine, without overpowering it.
Allergens information
Contains sulphites.
SKU: 106955
Boekenhoutskloof
A BRIEF HISTORY
Boekenhoutskloof was founded in 1776. Situated in the far corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means ‘Boekenhout’s ravine’ (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape beech tree much favoured for furniture making. In 1993, the farm and estate were purchased and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established which now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Sémillon and Viognier.
WINES
As a producer, Boekenhoutskloof is a Syrah specialist, with its premium Boekenhoutskloof range selling out on the release of each vintage, and The Chocolate Block – a Syrah-based blend – is probably the most successful new wine offering to come out of South Africa in the modern era.
The Wolftrap brand of Rhone-style blended wines was inspired by the pioneering spirit of the early settlers who built what is now a monument to their adventurous spirit. The Porcupine Ridge range of delicious, everyday wines is a favourite on tables around the world – offering great value for money and superb drinking.
