Vin D'Or Noble Late Harvest 2021 - Boschendal

Wine of Origin Elgin, Franschhoek.

So called for its golden appearance, Vin D'Or is the passito produced by Boschendal. The grapes used for this passito are harvested from low-yield vineyards to ensure excellent fruit concentration. Weisser Riesling originates from Durbanville and Viognier from the Elgin Valley. The absence of irrigation and a long period of stay in the vineyard allow a superb concentration of aromas. The bunches are left to dry naturally, allowing the formation of Botrytis, a noble mold that grows on the skin of the grapes and which allows the humidity to slowly evaporate. The concentration occurs thanks to this slow evaporation and the Botrytis gives a unique taste to this wonderful passito.

The grapes are harvested by hand at the desired level of ripeness, generally mid-morning. They are whole bunch pressed. The must remains on the skins for two days during which the press containing it undergoes battonage 3 times a day, morning, midday and afternoon. This slow maceration allows all the natural sugar to be retained. After pressing, the must rests for 24 hours. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks; during the process yeasts are inoculated which favor a very slow fermentation, ideal for not dispersing the natural sugar content, which is completed in small oak barrels.

Tim Atkin: 94/100;
Diner's Platter: 5/5 stars;
The Trophy Wine Show: Bronze.