Goldmine Boekenhoutskloof 2024

Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine 2024 Western Cape

Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine is the white equivalent of The Chocolate Block , born at the foot of Kasteelberg in Swartland. Instead of prospectors digging in the ground, Marc Kent finds his own "liquid gold" here in the form of a refined white blend with tension and energy. Why is Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine called the white counterpart of The Chocolate Block? Because this wine tells the same story of character, maturity, and precision, but in a white style with its own unique, salty-mineral accent. We tasted these wines side by side ourselves, and the quality is excellent in both.

Vineyards and region

Goldmine hails from South Africa, from the Western Cape, with its core grapes originating in the Swartland region at the foot of Kasteelberg Mountain. In this warm, dry region, the vineyards lie on southwest-facing slopes with soils of weathered granite, slate, quartz, and iron-bearing rock. This combination of warmth and poor, stony soil gives the wine its distinct identity, with ripe fruit and a pronounced minerality. The Chenin Blanc vines were planted in 1996 and belong to the older Boekenhoutskloof plantings, which adds extra concentration and tension to the fruit. Goldmine thus sits precisely at the intersection of the rugged Swartland landscape and the refined signature of Boekenhoutskloof.

Vinification and maturation

Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine is a carefully crafted white blend, with Chenin Blanc as the backbone, complemented by Chardonnay, Semillon, and Viognier. The focus is on a dry, refined style with plenty of tension, combining ripe stone fruit, wild spice, and a salty, mineral note. With 13% alcohol and a "refined" flavor profile, Goldmine is deliberately crafted as an energetic, gastronomic white wine within the Western Cape appellation. The wine showcases Boekenhoutskloof's ability to combine the warmth of the Swartland with precision and freshness, making it impressive now and also capable of developing beautifully in bottle.

Grape composition

Chenin Blanc – Goldmine, Swartland
53% of the blend comes from old Chenin Blanc vines from 1996 at the foot of the Kasteelberg, where the weathered granite and slate soils provide intensity, tension and a clear mineral signature.

Chardonnay – selected parcels Western Cape
24% Chardonnay complements the Chenin Blanc, bringing extra freshness and refinement to the blend, matching the refined, energetic character of Goldmine.

Semillon – selected plots Western Cape
19% Semillon gives extra depth and structure and fits well with the elegant, dry style that Boekenhoutskloof strives for with this wine.

Viognier – selected plots Western Cape
4% Viognier completes the blend with a subtle aromatic accent that blends seamlessly into the whole.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

In the glass, Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine reveals itself as a clear, light golden-yellow white wine. The nose is intense and exciting, with ripe stone fruit, wild fennel, spicy notes, and a salty, mineral undertone that immediately evokes the granite and slate soils. The palate reveals concentrated yet refined fruit, with ripe stone fruit, wild herbs, and a distinct tension between ripeness and freshness. The structure is energetic and precise, with a dry, energetic length and a salty-mineral echo in the finish. Serve Goldmine preferably between 10 and 12°C. At the table, it pairs perfectly with roasted chicken with lemon and tarragon, grilled lobster or langoustines, and rich vegetable dishes with fennel, pumpkin, or almond. It is also an ideal "quiet moment wine" to savor slowly on a long summer evening, when you want to dream of the Swartland with your glass alone.

Awards

• 2024 – 5 stars (Platter's Wine Guide)