This week, Boschendal introduced their brand new distinctive red blend, Nicolas 2016, to the world in a glitzy event simultaneously celebrated in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Dusseldorf, Germany.
The highly-anticipated wine is part Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
The Nicolas takes its name from one of Boschendal’s founding pioneers, Nicolas de Lanoy who helped lay an early foundation in the development of the estate. Very much like this layered blend, it is a farm founded from different parts of the land that were separate, but once brought together, have formed a place of incredible beauty and charisma.
Boschendal is particularly proud of the wine because the 2016 vintage was a challenging one. However – according to Jacques Viljoen, Boschendal Cellar Master – Nicolas is proof that through adversity comes greatness.
Viljoen explains that the grapes are grown in high-lying, cool climate sites mostly from the Stellenbosch region, with a small percentage from the Swartland. “These are highly expressive, trellised vineyards. Their altitude, aspect and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean yield fruit with a restrained classical elegance, good acidity and soft tannins. Farming practises are tailored for ultra-premium quality and grapes are harvested at perfect ripeness.”
Shirley van Wyk, Marketing Manager of Boschendal Wine, says the inspiration for Nicolas came from the tapestry that is evident in so many facets of Boschendal. “Our story is one of exceptional elements coming together to form something truly extraordinary. From pockets of land which knit perfectly together in a visual compilation, to the story of the combined farms of Jean de Long and Nicolas de Lanoy creating the estate we have today. From the perfect blending of our 334-year-old history with a modern, inspiring lifestyle, to the rich combination of sustainably-grown produce that forms the foundation for our farm-to-table philosophy. All these elements come together to create a legacy of excellence.”
Winemaker’s notes:
The Nicolas is a blend brimming with character, with each component making a significant contribution to ensuring the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Shiraz, a signature variety for Boschendal, adds intrigue and depth, Cabernet Sauvignon gives classical structure, Malbec adds a beautiful deep colour, while the Merlot enhances the fruit profile and Cabernet Franc elaborates on the spicy richness of the Shiraz and adds elegance and sophistication.
It is a wine with an excellent concentration of fruit, with prominent mulberry and plum flavours, as well as black forest cake notes of cherry, cream and mocha. The tannins are well integrated, fresh and chalky, with a rich, smooth mouthfeel and persistent spicy finish. While drinking excellently now, the Nicolas will develop further complexity with cellaring for up to 10 years. For a perfect culinary match, it is best enjoyed with sumptuous meat dishes like slow-roasted prime rib, or succulent steak.