I first tasted this wonderful wine a couple of years ago at the great South African wine bar, Xai Xai in New York City.
My brother in-law Perry Weinstein and I were hanging out tasting wines and absolutely loved this one.
I was thrilled to see it at one of our local wine shops.
It is a deep full bodied red, just what you would expect from South Africa, but the Viognier gives it a playful openness that I really enjoy.
Founded in 1776, Boekenhoutskloof is one of the oldest farms situated up the "Valley" in the Franschhoek foothills. Marc Kent is the wine-maker, cellar-master, and part owner of this homestead and wine farm.
We enjoyed a bottle last week with some terrific skirt steaks done in a tamari, ginger, honey marinade, steamed baby bok choy and a coconut rice. The wine went really well with the spicy, garlicky Asian flavors.
Tonight I paired with some delicious pork baby back ribs, "Lloyd's", in a classic bar-b-que sauce, sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar, cole slaw and mixed veggie's. Again absolutely perfect.
The wine is full of great fruit, red and black berries, a touch of tartness, it rolls over the tongue with seductive flavors. There is a dark earthiness, not heavy, some may say cocoa, it adds a level of complexity and a solid base for the flowery violet flavors and peppery sensations that are intertwined. Very smooth on the palate the nose has soft aromas of wild strawberries and cherries.
An all around great wine.
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
It really is, always have a bottle or two in my wine stash.
Posted by: Peter Conway | 05/19/2011 at 21:51
Just had this wine at The Orange Squirrel. It is fantastic for the price point.
Posted by: melodykettle@hotmail.com | 05/19/2011 at 21:39
The wines from Chili are reasonably priced and surprisingly good. Recently I visited Thailand and purchased wine from Chili (more expensive due to taxes) and found they were great with Thai food. Spent a day at a cooking school in Chang Mai and learned some great tips about Thai cooking. The wine information I brought with me from experience at home.
Posted by: groundhog.judy | 03/25/2011 at 15:47
Definitely Excelsior Cabernet, a consistent winner, as is their Chardonnay.
Looking forward to seeing SA continue to penetrate the market!
Posted by: Mike | 03/10/2010 at 15:49
Mike,
I have not tried Rudi Schultz, I''l check that out.
Was not impressed with one Excelsior wine I tried a while back but I will give it another look. Any favorite?
Posted by: Manoavino | 03/06/2010 at 18:58
I am quite familiar with Xai Xai as I frequent the city and have become a huge fan of South African wines since my travels abroad. I have not had Wolftrap, so I will be adding this to my list. My other favorites from the region are Rudi Schultz (incredible) and for value Excelsior. Have you had?
Thanks for the recommendation!
Mike
Posted by: Mike Ds | 03/05/2010 at 11:38