Boschendal has revealed a brand new wine to its stable, introducing Nicolas, a red blend that is brimming with character.

Behind the name Nicolas

Nicolas takes its name from one of Boschendal’s founding pioneers, Nicolas de Lanoy. He helped to lay an early foundation in the development of this iconic estate. Nicolas’ land was not always part of the property but after his death, it merged with the two adjacent farms to form Boschendal as it is known today.

Like this layered red blend, it is a farm founded from different parts of land that were once separate – but brought together have formed a place of incredible beauty and charisma.

Dedicated to the winemakers of yesteryear

This wine is dedicated to the winemakers of yesteryear who loved the vineyards as much as they loved sharing its wines with family and friends.

Each component of Nicolas is outstanding in its own right and together creates something exceptional.

A Blend of Distinction

The 2016 vintage was a very dry and challenging vintage, but Nicolas is proof that through adversity comes greatness. 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 really well integrated and fine, and the palate is smooth with a very enticing spicy finish.

Shiraz (58%), a signature variety for Boschendal, adds intrigue and depth with enticing spicy notes, Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Petit Verdot (14%) give classical structure, Malbec (8%) a beautiful deep colour and vibrant red fruit, while the Merlot (7%) enhances the fruit profile and Cabernet Franc (3%) elaborates on the spicy richness of the Shiraz.

In the Vineyard

The grapes are produced in highly expressive vineyards, mostly from Stellenbosch, with a small percentage from the Swartland region. These vineyards’ altitude, aspect and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean yield fruit with restrained classical elegance, good acidity and soft tannins. Vineyard practices are tailored for ultra-premium quality.

In the Cellar

Upon arrival at the cellar, bunches are carefully hand sorted to ensure that any green berries are discarded.

The respective cultivars are vinified separately and treated very gently throughout the winemaking process to obtain the wine’s signature classical elegance. Primary and malolactic fermentation take place in stainless steel tanks before wines are matured in fine French oak barrels for 16 months.

These consist of 20% new wood, and the rest a combination of second, third and fourth fill barrels. After the meticulous tasting of the respective wines, the final blend is assembled and bottled.

Pairing Suggestions

While drinking excellently now, 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 roast lamb and rosemary, or an oxtail stew.

Boschendal Nicolas 2016 – a wine to be savoured and returned to.

Recipes to Pair with Boschendal Nicolas 2016

The bold richness of lamb is an ideal match for Nicolas Red. Try these recipes for Roast Lamb Shoulder or Slow Roasted Lamb with Cannellini Beans

Oxtail is also an excellent match for Nicolas 2016. Try this recipe for Slow Braised Oxtail with Orange and Fennel and Slow Braised Oxtail in a Thick Gravy

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