2002 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
South Africa may be known mostly for inexpensive everyday wines, but here’s one from the Cape that will knock your socks off. The 2002 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, from an estate that dates back to 1652, could easily be mistaken for a top Cote-Rotie. Rich and full-bodied, it’s got gorgeous Syrah fruit, supple tannins and lovely notes of spice and berry. It also has great depth. Kudos to winemaker Marc Kent for a fascinating wine. At less than $50, it’s a great buy.
Like Syrah from the northern Rhone, this one needs rich, bold flavors. Game is ideal, but when you don’t have a wild boar hanging around the house, consider braised meats, grilled butterflied leg of lamb and roast duck.
Quick swirl
Region: Franschhoek, South Africa
Price: About $45
Style: Rich and full-bodied
Food it goes with: Game, braised meats, grilled leg of lamb, roast duck.
Where you find it: Pacific Wine Merchants in Upland, (909) 946-6782; Silver Lake Wine in Los Angeles, (323) 662-9024; Southern Hemisphere Wine Center in Huntington Beach, (800) 504-9463; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; (800) 76WINEX.
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-- S. Irene Virbila