Boekenhoutskloof remains one of our most anticipated releases of the year. The consistency across vintages is outstanding, and the 2023s reflect the craftsmanship and expertise of Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke.
The 2023 Syrah is made from 90% Porseleinberg fruit and is a compelling counterpoint to the lighter Polkadraai Syrahs we love. Deep-set fruit, tapenade and pressed violets lead to a palate that has clear definition, layered with peppercorn spice from green to pink. It’s a delicious fine wine that has sustained its benchmark status for almost three decades.
Boekenhoutskloof produces some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in South Africa. The 2023 Franschhoek Cabernet is attractive and unique, with a cassis-driven palate, long finish and a cool core that reflects the region. We suggest decanting if opening soon, but those who cellar will be rewarded. The 2023 Stellenbosch Cabernet is sourced from the Helderberg and Polkadraai and offers impressive drinkability in its youth. The wine’s firm tannins are complemented by mineral tension.
The rarest of the range, the 2023 Sémillon is among the world’s great white wines. With comforting aromatics and a detailed, complex palate, it’s drinking beautifully but can easily mature for a decade.
These wines are exceptional and deserve a place on your table and in your cellar – buy them by the caseload. Please note, this is a pre-release offer and the wines will be available for delivery and collection from 6 March 2026.
Tasting Notes:
‘Gottfried Mocke makes this complex, layered Syrah with grapes from Porseleinberg and a 10% contribution from the Goldmine property, both in the Swartland. Fermented with 60% whole bunches and aged in foudres and 600-litre barrels, it’s an intensely perfumed style, with engaging violet, rose petal and fynbos top notes, savoury tannins and layers of blackberry, liquorice and oolong tea.’ – Tim Atkin MW, Tim Atkin MW, 96/100
Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
‘Nearly all sourced from the farm in Franschhoek, this is the more floral of the two Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignons in 2023, partly thanks to the presence of 14% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Carrying its 80% new oak lightly, it’s leafy, scented and enticing, with filigree tannins, impressive underlying structure and acidity and dried herb, cassis and paprika flavours.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 95/100
Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
‘Gottfried Mocke bled off 30% of the juice on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc in 2023 to concentrate what was left behind in a lighter vintage. Curated in 60% new oak, it combines aromas of mint, fynbos ad coffee bean with a refined, sappy, nicely delineated palate of bramble, blueberry and blackcurrant leaf and a fresh, focused finish’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 94/100
Boekenhoutskloof Sémillon 2023
‘One of a handful of Cape whites that I buy most years and expect to cellar for a decade, this is a subtle, refined, early picked Franschhoek blend of Semillon and 3% Muscat d’Alexandrie. Deftly fermented in 70% new barrels, it has beguiling aromas of vanilla spice, cardamom and saffron, layers of tangerine, beeswax and fresh lemons and understated concentration.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 96/100
