The uniqueness of the Elgin terroir makes it a highly sought after appellation, which means Boschendal’s Appellation Series – Elgin is something special. What’s on offer:
Boschendal Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Close your eyes, let the Boschendal Elgin Sauvignon Blanc linger on your palate, and feel yourself transported to the valley. Made from the purest of grapes picked from Elgin’s highest vineyards at 500m above sea level on a mountain plateau close to the Atlantic, the wine is a pale gold elixir with a flush of vibrant green.
With the first round of grapes picked in the early hours before dawn, the second round of hand sorting means only premium quality grapes are crushed, and air contact is then eliminated to retain maximum fruit flavours and freshness. Carefully controlled fermentation and commitment to bâtonnage creates a rounded, soft mouth feel with a rich finish. On the nose, you’ll detect subtle white asparagus, citrusy Tahiti lime, plush peach, and accents of Cape gooseberry and lemon verbena. On the palate, limey characteristics evolve into complex sophistication, with notes of minerality giving way to a zesty finish. Drink it immediately or let it mature for a special occasion five to eight years hence. As its valley of origin, it only improves with age.
Boschendal Elgin Pinot Noir 2015
Like the Sauvingon Blanc, the Boschendal Elgin Pinot Noir comes from Elgin’s highest vineyards, and its unique flavour expression is born from the vineyard’s cool climes and terrific terroir. Salt-of-the-earth soil blends of Table Mountain Sandstones, Bokkeveld shale rich red clays, and Silica quartz give rise to a classic character, with the colder air urging a slow ripening for optimal grape excellence. Small batches are then picked and fastidiously sorted to ensure only the best are used.
Following fermentation, the wine achieves malolactic fermentation in French Oak barrels, before being barrel matured for 12 months. Look out for invigorating raspberry sweet-sourness, pops of cherry and cranberry, and a roasted nut richness on the nose. For the tongue, an intricate, gentle first flavour is followed by intensive wild berry and oak spice flavours, with a finely textured finish. It’s beautiful to drink now, but you can age the Pinot Noir for up to 10-years.
Boschendal Elgin Chardonnay
The elegant Appellation Series – Elgin range, the Chardonnay is a 2015 vintage, with grapes originating from unirrigated mountain slopes characterised by Bokkeveld shale. Salted by the sea, with crisp days and nights, the extended ripening results in an unmistakeable flavour palate, enhanced by selective hand-harvesting at 22–23°B.
Whole-bunch pressing and cold settling precede natural fermentation in carefully chosen French oak barrels. Natural fermentation is complemented by a strong strain of yeast, followed by a maturation process of 11 months with the wine still on its primary lees. Dancing grapefruit and lively Golden Delicious apple notes will delight the nose, along with lithe lime blossom, frangipani, white truffle, and vanilla oak spice. On the palate, sweet citrus is developed by oak accents, with a beautiful continuity of minerality, and powerful, prolonged finish. Like its siblings, the Chardonnay is delicious if opened today or matured for up to 10 years.
The lively complexity of the Appellation Series – Elgin range is a direct result of the area’s coveted terroir. The wines capture the essence of cool and purity of fruit in a relationship of powerful elegance. It’s also been particularly rewarding to work with the local farmers who are completely committed to the quality of their produce.” Lizelle Gerber, Boschendal winemaker.
What: Boschendal Appellation Series – Elgin Showcase
Web: www.boschendalwines.co.za
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