The 2023 title of South Africa’s Best Port Wine has been awarded by the National Wine Challenge to Boplaas Cape Tawny Colheita 2007.
Also falling in the limelight is the flagship Boplaas Gamka Red 2021 and Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2021, both red blends of Portuguese varieties; and, the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2021. Each wine received Double Gold.
“Naturally, we’re very happy with this recognition from an experienced panel. We’ve always staked our reputation on Portuguese varieties and port wine because of a firm belief in their ability to shine as consistently over the decades as they have,” says Boplaas owner Carel Nel. “These awards serve to re-affirm our faith and underscore once again the quality inherent in the Boplaas name.”
Champion DNA: Boplaas Cape Tawny Colheita 2007
The Boplaas Cape Tawny Colheita 2007 is the sixth, single-harvest tawny to be released by Boplaas. Reflecting its top-flight DNA, the 2005 was declared Fortified Wine of the Year by Tim Atkin MW and Platter’s South African wine guide.
The 2007 was aged for 16 years and only 3 000 bottles are still available.
The winery’s tasting notes describe the fiery red brown wine as having flecks of olive green on the rim. “Its bouquet unfurls with notes of walnut, roast almond, butterscotch, a melange of spices, citrus, warming brandy and charred oak.”
A Lion of a wine: Gamka Red 2021
The Gamka Red 2021 vintage continues the course set by the trailblazing iterations. Again reflecting its fine heritage, 2021 showcases the very best of the Cape’s rare Portuguese varietals in a wine with class, elegance and longevity.
Heavenly symmetry: Ring of Rocks Red 2021
The latest vintage of the Ring of Rocks is named after a circular assembly of boulders, created as a nod to tradition and the ancient agrarian prayers for bountiful heavens.
The wine is a blend of Portuguese varieties with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The slumbering giant: Cape Vintage Reserve 2021
While relatively young for a port, the NWC judges recognized the promise of this port. Indeed, the winemaker notes that “time will temper the fiery, fruity exuberance of youth and slowly unfurl the complexities of this fine Cape fortified.”
The 2021 continues the Nel family heritage of crafting the very finest Cape fortifieds utilising Portuguese varietals, traditional vinification and dedication to style. From these is created wine such as the Cape Vintage Reserve, that will offer decades of enjoyment.
Inky black in colour with hints of purple-black on the rim, the wine shows a bouquet of crushed blackberries, tart cranberries, kirsch and blue violets.
