We were delighted to welcome Paul Boutinot founder of Waterkloof.
Paul is originally from Manchester and started Boutinot Wines. He founded Waterkloof in 2004. It is a family owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, False Bay near Stellenbosch, South Africa.
I had met Paul recently at a South African wine tasting at Hammer and Tongs
We instantly hit it off being fellow Mancunians, also I spent a lot of my childhood in Heald Green where his family ran La Bonne Auberge.
His wines took my attention with their meticulous balance and beautiful tannins. After tasting them I found out that the wines are from Biodynamic vineyards, this didn’t surprise me as they stood out from the crowd.
At other tastings I have recently attended I have marked my favourites, Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Chateau Pontet Canet and Felton Road all produced biodynamically. I believe there’s something very special about looking after the land in this way.
It was an honour to have Paul talking about himself and his wines. He’s an incredibly humble down to earth chap who is very easy to warm too. Being a Man United fan helps too!
The wines displayed a beautiful balance.
I loved the Circle of white for its great texture balance and length. The Mourvedre with its characteristic savouriness went very well with the Welsh lamb.
Aperitif
Cape Coral Mourvèdre, Rosé 2018
Starter
Salmon duet; smoked & avocado; rillettes & pickled vegetables
Circle of Life White 2016
Main
Roasted Welsh lamb rump, potato dauphinoise, spinach, rosemary jus Circumstance
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Circumstance Cabernet Franc 2016
Dessert
Apple & blackberry crumble, vanilla ice cream
Apple & blackberry crumble, vanilla ice cream
Seriously Cool Cinsault 2018
Recent review of Circumstance Mourvedre
Waterkloof, Circumstance Mourvèdre 2017 Stellenbosch
17/20
“Aged in old 600-litre barrels.
Deep crimson. Not what I expected on the nose – peppery and fragrant, almost floral. Then shows the reductive character of the variety on the palate, but in a good way – smoky, dark and savoury. Even a hint of char. Blind I might have thought this was Syrah. Compact, fine and dry in texture. Lovely but embryonic. Julia Harding
WanderCurtis Wine 