Boschendal delivered an outstanding performance in this year’s Tim Atkin Special Report on South African wine. In the 2023 report, a total of 12 Boschendal wines received scores of 90 points and above, including three exceptional wines with 94 and 93 points respectively.
This marks the 11th edition of Tim Atkin’s comprehensive assessment of Cape wines, where he meticulously evaluated over 2,200 South African wines, shedding light on the state of the local wine industry. Boschendal’s remarkable showing featured three wines earning 94 points: the Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2021, Suzanne Semillon/Sauvignon Blend 2022, and Vin D’Or Noble Late 2021. Additionally, three wines garnered 93 points: the Appellation Series Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Cap Classique Jean Le Long 2012, and Black Angus 2020.
Furthermore, Boschendal’s accolades included two wines with 92 points: Boschendal Nicolas 2021 and Boschendal Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, as well as two wines at 91 points: Boschendal Appellation Series Pinot Noir 2021 and Grande Cuvée Brut 2016. Lastly, two more wines secured 90 points: Boschendal Cap Classique Brut Rosé NV and Boschendal Grand Syrah 2019.
Jacques Viljoen, the cellarmaster at Boschendal, described the winery’s performance in the Tim Atkin Special Report as “remarkably rewarding,” underscoring Boschendal’s consistent excellence across a diverse range of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Cape winelands, where Boschendal owns or collaborates with grower-partners in vineyards tailored to each wine’s specific needs.
Viljoen emphasized Boschendal’s commitment to delivering consistent premium quality from vineyards cultivated with each wine’s character in mind, saying, “If there is one aspect that Boschendal is committed to delivering through our broad and varied wine portfolio, it is the focus on consistent premium quality from vineyards grown specifically with each wine in mind.”
Boschendal’s wines covered a wide spectrum, earning Medals of Excellence. These included the Brut Cap Classique, which has been a part of Boschendal’s heritage for four decades, as well as wines that reflect the distinct terroir of Boschendal’s vineyards in Elgin and Stellenbosch. Notable mentions went to the 94-point scoring Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2021 and the Suzanne White Blend 2022 made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, both grown on Boschendal’s Elgin property. The Boschendal Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 also received a commendable score of 92 points from the Helderberg Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.
Of special note was the 92-point rating for Boschendal’s Nicolas, a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This wine has earned a reputation for affordable luxury among a broad consumer base, making its recognition particularly gratifying.
Viljoen attributed these accolades to the values deeply embedded in Boschendal’s wine philosophy throughout centuries, shared by the entire team. He emphasized the collective effort from the cellarmaster and winemakers to viticulturists, all dedicated to cultivating grapes and crafting wines worthy of bearing the Boschendal label. As one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected names in wine, Boschendal bears the responsibility of showcasing the dynamic offerings of the country’s wine industry through this iconic brand.
The annual Tim Atkin Report serves as a vital platform for conveying the standards of South African wine to the global wine community. Viljoen noted that the report’s top-performing producers gain increased exposure, both domestically and internationally.
“In its 11 years of consistent publication, the Tim Atkin Report has become a voice for promoting and communicating the general quality and class of South African wines to wine critics, buyers, and individuals all over the world,” said Viljoen. “It is thus a great honor for Boschendal to see a total of 12 wines singled out for exceptional quality by accruing 90 points and more, continuing and enhancing its legacy and reputation as one of the leading names in Cape wine.”
