2022 Boschendal “Suzanne” Elgin, South Africa (Alcohol 13%, Residual Sugar 2.24 g/l) LCBO Vintages $42.95 (750ml glass bottle)
This has to be one of the most exquisitely balanced and magnificently textured South African white wines I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.
This is due in no small part to the Sauvignon and Semillon fruit being sourced from vineyard sites in the Elgin region, home to some of South Africa’s coolest growing areas, and more recently (and not coincidentally) where some of the country’s very best whites have been coming from. Over the past decade I’m been studiously following the development of these wines, and they just seem to improve year after year, from entry level to flagship bottlings such as this one.
Fermented in 500 litre oak barrels and then matured in predominantly old 500 litre oak barrels for six months, this is a wine built to last, but with some aeration (say, a quick decant), it is drinking truly wonderfully already.
After a little warming up in the glass this gorgeous wine exhibits aromatics of Kaffir lime, boxwood, perfumed peach, and a subtle honeyed beeswax note. In the mouth the acidity is firm, decidedly so, keeping the wine taught and tense despite the rich and satisfying fruit weight. This has minerality through and through, stretching out into the incredibly extended finish.
This excellent wine paired extremely well alongside homemade fried chicken with ripe Ontario tomatoes slathered in olive oil and Sherry wine vinegar.
Absolutely terrific juice.
(Five out of possible five apples)
Boshcendal are represented in Ontario by Lifford Cellars.
Lifford Cellars are a Good Food Fighter.
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