Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2017

Region:  Franschoek

Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting program was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.

In 2009 Boekenhoutskloof made a significant investment in the Helderberg area, with the acquisition of the historic Helderberg Winery. The Helderberg is to Stellenbosch, of course, what the Médoc is to Bordeaux: the home of Cabernet Sauvignon, and their duty was clear. For a few years they worked experimentally, making wines from different parcels of vines off the slopes of this famous wine-growing mountain. Their experimentation has paid off.

The svelte lady is the figurehead of Boekenhoutskloof. She is an adaptation of an early silver hallmark of the Cape of Good Hope and she carries the dove of peace and hope. Guarding over Boekenhoutskloof, she represents intrinsic quality, which we prize above all else.

The Story Of Seven Chairs

Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for making fine furniture. Our Boekenhoutskloof label features seven chairs; among them the country-style split splat chair made in the Neo-classical style with a shouldered top rail and thonged seat from the late 18th century. Then there’s the Sandveld chair that has two back rails and a thonged seat which made its appearance in the second quarter of the 19th century. The transitional Tulbagh chair was made in the late 18th century, it has a plain back and a shaped top rail with half-round opening. The chairs on our wine label all pay tribute to the skills of the 18th century craftsmen and their achievements in creating beauty from natural sources, just like the pursuit of fine wine-making.

Boekenhoutskloof Winery was awarded Platter’s South African Wine Guide Editor’s Award for Winery of the Year.