Boschkloof

The Polkadraai Hills west of Stellenbosch were only officially recognised as a separate sub-region of Stellenbosch in the mid-2010s. But they are fast acquiring a strong reputation as a top-class growing region - and Boschkloof is very much one of the star producers driving that narrative. Polkadraai’s slopes are characterised by sea-breezes and granite soils, two factors which typically give its wines a distinctive lift and lick of minerality. It is texture and elegance rather than sheer weight that define Boschkloof’s wines – particularly its Syrahs, for which it is developing a global reputation.

The Cape is often described as yielding wines which are stylistically halfway between the Old World and New World. But with his Syrahs, winemaker Reneen Borman combines hand-harvesting and naturally low yields in the vineyard with a careful use of oak to create expressions that are much more European than they are Southern Hemisphere. Their perfumed bouquet of violets, herbs and pepper should be music to the ears of anyone who likes the northern Rhône.

Just how good are the wines? Well the last five vintages of the top Syrah, Epilogue, have all been awarded five stars in South Africa’s well-respected Platter Guide, and scores of at least 98/100 from UK critic Tim Atkin MW.