Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon
75cl * Vegan & Organic * 14.0% ABV * Stellenbosch, South Africa
The month of October 2023 marked twenty years since Paul Boutinot established Waterkloof wine estate. Of all its natural assets, the most notable for those lucky enough to have visited is a cooling and often ferocious wind ripping in from The Atlantic shoreline just two miles away. Thanks to the quality of the red grapes in the 2020 vintage, winemaker Nadia Barnard and Boutinot trialled a blend from their best parcels of Bordeaux grape varieties (51% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon). The result was named appropriately after the fiercest wind god and face of Waterkloof: Boreas.
Whilst Waterkloof's Sauvignon Blanc has been called the 'Pouilly Fumé of Stellenbosch', Boreas is reminiscent of Bolgheri and has already had the seal of approval from Master of Wine Tim Atkin during a pre-release tasting. Is it too soon to dub Boreas the Sassicaia of Stellenbosch...
This is sublimely complex aromas of redcurrant, plum and red cherry with cedary spice and a hint of pencil shaving. The predominance of Cabernet Franc gives a wine of subtlety and elegance with lifted berry fruit and a supple, finely structured mid palate. Firm yet fine tannins frame the spicy, ethereal finish.
Offering great enjoyment in its youth, especially once decanted for a few hours, Waterkloof Boreas will surely develop in complexity over the next 10-15+ years. Decant 2 hours before serving with rib of beef.
"Marked by the herbaceousness of the Cabernet Franc and the stemmy herbal freshness from the whole bunches. But not in the least unripe just very aromatic. Intense dark-red fruits that dominate both the nose and the palate with an unexpected youthfulness. However, the tannins are rounded and silky-smooth while being firm enough to shape all that pure, leafy fruit. Elegant and scented on the palate, with a long finish showing excellent freshness and refinement. A lovely wine, perfect now but should age well. The oak is well integrated, helping to round out the texture, though it does still show in a chocolate-like sweetness on the finish. Fortunately the freshness is sufficient to outrun the oak impression. A clever, well-made wine that should appeal widely unless you really don't like the herbaceous side of the Cabernets." 17 / 20 points, Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com