Wine Review: Boschendal, The Rose Garden (Western Cape, South Africa)
My wine review of Boshendal, The Rose Garden, an excellent selection from South Africa.
Boschendal — The Rose Garden (Western Cape, South Africa)
Now, for something a bit different.
I’m neutral on most rose wines. Drank many, but never thought of them much as either sophisticated or elegant. They lack the complexity of reds and don’t give off the variety of flavors common in so many white varietals. Rose wines are pedestrian. Yes, that’s a bias. But show me a wine connoisseur who isn’t biased, and I’ll show you a winning Super Bowl ticket on the Detroit Lions.
This is not to say that I don’t enjoy rose. I do. It’s just that on most occasions I won’t spend more than $10 a bottle because the higher-dollar cost isn’t worth it (yes, I’m sure there are exceptions).
Fortunately, rose is plentiful and affordable just about everywhere. I tend to be more partial to rose in the warmer months, though a cool glass is enjoyable any time of year.
Rose wines come from many countries, but I don’t recall buying or trying any from South Africa. Based on my experiences with other South African wines, they are quite underrated and often quite a bargain, especially for US wine drinkers. I’ve seen many South African whites that were every bit as good as California wines at a similar price point. So, a few bottles of Boschendal (which was on sale locally at a grocer for 40 percent off!) made from an intoxicating temptation.
Regularly priced at $11 a bottle, I can’t say I’d pay that. Not that it’s bad, but there are too many other options in that range which would be better buys. However, at around $7 on clearance, this was a wonderful experience.
It should also be noted that you are paying for a “name” with this wine. Boschendal is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa and is located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape. Known for producing outstanding Shiraz, Boschendal has many award winners at international tastings (most notably first place in London), particularly in recent years. This is clearly a vineyard on the rise, not just regionally, but worldwide. So, sample something from Boschendal, if you haven’t already.
In summation, for $7 I bought a steal. Always on the lookout for a new experience, this was a very pleasant treat. If by some chance you can purchase at a discount, leap for a bottle. And even at $11, it’s probably worth trying at least once.
Grade (100 point scale): 89
Value: (10 point scale): 5
Price: $11
Recommended: Yes (at least to say you’ve tried a South African rose)
