BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF WOLF TRAP - 2005

Boekenhoutskloof (pronounced boo–ken–hoots-kloof) crafts amazing South African wines. Best known for their Chocolate Block, this winery founded in 1776 is run by winemaker Marc Kent.

The Wolftrap is the latest edition to the wines offered from this Western Cape producer. There is a 250-year old wolf trap on Boekenhoutskloof and the name is a tribute to the pioneers who in the early days of the Cape erected a wolf trap, mistakenly believing that wolves inhabited the area. To date, no wolf either real or mystical has been seen in the valley.

This red blend has an alcohol content of 14% and is a blend of 65% Syrah, 19% Cinsault, 11% Mourvedre and 5% Viognier.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red-black color with spice, bacon and wood on the nose. Smooth, smokey bacon and spice flavors overshadow subdued, mellow cherry and blackberry fruit. Dry, light mouthfeel with good structure and a black currant finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

For $7 a bottle, this is a wonderful wine. I've been a fan of Boekenhoutskloof wines and especially South African reds for awhile now. Anyone who has read my blog knows that I adore the rich smoked pork, bacon, grilled meats and black fruit that these South African reds deliver. Not nearly as good the Vergelegen Merlot '01, Mulderbosch Faithful Hound '02, Simonsig Tiara '00, or Radford Dale Merlot '01, but this wine is less than half the cost of all those big reds so this is a huge value wine. A complete steal!