Under the branches of an old, old oak tree a marvellous romp through a range of Boschendal wines. Hosted by Lizelle Gerber, Head White Wine Maker, entertainingly hosted the tasting.
Lizelle was lovely, fielding my inane questions with gusto and a wry smile. She has been with Boschendal since 2005. At the conclusion of the tasting I asked what she would really like to do, experimentally, outside the day to day work. Two things, she replied. “To make a stickie from Weiser Reisling and to play around with White Grenache” She didn’t expound on what she would like to make exactly.
Boschendal have split their wines into 5 distinct ranges; in price order they are:

1. The Pavillion Range with a Shiraz/Cabernet, a Chardonnay/Semillon blend and a Shiraz Rosé. The range is named after the Le Pavillion Gazebo and come priced at around £6.49.
2. The Favourites Range with the emphasis on easy drinking. Priced at £7.29.
3. The 1685 Range with the distinctive bottle shape. The bottle first produced in 1985 to celebrate the 300 years of wine making at the estate and is based on an original 1685 bottle. Priced at £8.99.
   
   Review0.3
   Wine Tasting Note: Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay-Pinot Noir, 2008, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
   [More: Adegga / Snooth]
   A mix of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%) resulting in a golden hued, elegant wine packed with red berried fruit flavours, a touch of lees, and gentle oak. Alcohol 13%.
   Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 88/100 [3.5 out of 5]
4. The Reserve Range of single varietal wines – higher quality grapes reflected in a slightly higher price of around £10.99.
   
   Review0.3
   Wine Tasting Note: Boschendal Sauvingon Blanc Reserve, 2008, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
   [More: Adegga / Snooth]
   The first vintage released in screwcap. Half the Sauvingon is sourced from Boschendal local grapes, the remainder from the Somerset West area. Minerally, limey, lively style. Flinty, citrus and a great mouth-feel.
   Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 90/100 [3.75 out of 5]
   
   
   Review0.3
   Wine Tasting Note: Boschendal Grand Reserve, 2005, Stellenbosch, South Africa
   Price: £9.99 [More on Adegga / Snooth]
   A Bordeaux-style blend heavy on the Cabernet Franc (Cabernet Franc (70%), Malbec (10%), Shiraz (10%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)), nicely perfumed, with an edge of cassis and raspberry-meatiness.
   Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 90/100 [3.75 out of 5]
   
   
   Review0.3
   Wine Tasting Note: Boschendal Reserve Collection Shiraz, 2004, Stellebosch, South Africa
   [More on Adegga / Snooth]
   Sourced from low yielding 10 year old vineyard. Full-bodied, Rhone-style – a touch of elegance missed in with the pepper, herb and spice palate. Potential for some aging. Good tannic backbone. Alcohol 14.5%.
   Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 92/100 [4 out of 5]
   
5. The Cecil John Range named after Cecil John Rhodes a major 19th century player in Boschendal’s development. Two wines in this ‘site specific’ range a Sauvignon Blanc (£12.49) and a Shiraz (£15.99), neither, sadly were opened for us to taste.

Check out the Top Five South African Wine Retailer list for stockists. Photos from Boschendal also on flickr.