Boschkloof 'Kottabos' Grenache Syrah Stellenbosch 2023

The Borman family established Boschkloof Wines in 1996 in the rolling hills of Stellenbosch, set against the dramatic mountain backdrop this part of South Africa is famed for. The estate is named after the natural ravine (“kloof”) on the property. The name of this blend, ‘Kottabos’, refers to a Greek drinking game that involves throwing the lees (yeast residue) from unfiltered wines at targets. An experiment of sorts by winemaker Reenen Borman, it combines 80% grenache (from the granitic soils of the Skilpadvlei Vineyard, near the Boschkloof estate) and 20% syrah from the Boschkloof estate. The harvests of the two grapes were fermented separately; the grenache all whole-cluster and aged in concrete, while the syrah was de-stemmed and aged in old oak. Bottled without fining or filtration after 10 months, it received only a minimal addition of SO2. A very pretty wine, floral and smooth, it is packed with red raspberry and plum, with a turn of fresh pepper at the finish. Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.