There’s something extra special about a wine a sommelier selects. A sommelier’s reverence for gastronomic relevance and the winemaker’s stylistic approach mean that the chosen elixir is always unique. And that’s why wines like Boschendal’s 1685 Chardonnay 2017, 1685 Merlot 2016 and Grande Cuvée Brut 2013 are so sought after. They’ve been sniffed, swirled and selected by the country’s top sommeliers for the prestigious 2018 Sommeliers Selection. A go-to list of SA’s best wines at every price point.
The Sommeliers Selection sets the benchmark for wines locally and overseas, with a fresh approach that sees the judges evaluating entries as they would consider wines for a wine list. The intention is to provide wine lovers – and SA’s top dining establishments – with a guide to the foremost vintages for every occasion.
Lizelle Gerber, our acclaimed winemaker, says, “There’s nothing more flattering than having a sommelier love your wine. We’re privileged to have exceptional sommeliers in South Africa and it’s an honour for them to appreciate and award our Boschendal vintages.”
While the Merlot sings with rich red cherry plum and mulberry flavours, the Chardonnay tantalises with zesty citrus and tropical fruit notes, enhanced by a buttery character from barrel fermentation.
But it’s the Grand Cuvée that may just be Gerber’s secret favourite, “Is there anything better than the sound of a bottle of Boschendal bubbles popping? The Grand Cuvée takes years to perfect but it’s worth it for its beautiful, balanced mouth feel and fresh green apple and discreet biscotti flavours. And that hint of citrus perfectly rounds everything off.”
It turns out it’s a favourite with top South African sommeliers as well.