It is difficult to enthuse any more about the 2018 vintage of Boschkloof's Epilogue Syrah as it approaches perfection. With an average of 98 points over the last 4 vintages from Tim Atkin MW and 95 from Christian Eedes, Epilogue has already reached the pinnacle of South African wine.

The Epilogue vineyard was planted by Jacques Borman in 1996 after his ground-breaking success with Syrah at La Motte in the late '80s and early '90s. Early vintages, and especially the CWG version, were impressive but Reenen Borman has brought this vineyard to another level.

The 2018 Epilogue is the 'best I have made' celebrated Reenen this week. He went on to acknowledge, 'with vintages like 2014, 2015 and 2017, I know this is a big call!' It delivers the perfume and red-fruited purity that Reenen adores in Syrah, coupled with Rhône-like character and vivid fruit sweetness. It is effectively a reserve selection of a single vineyard planted with the rare SH99 clone. Partly destemmed, it was aged in a mix of 400L oak barrels and cement.

This is one of SA’s best wines and, judging by the demand of previous vintages, it will sell out quickly.

Boschkloof, Epilogue Syrah 2018
'One immediately notices a more transparent hue on the medium-bodied 2018 Epilogue. Checking in at 13.5% alcohol and without any noticeable oak, it is certainly leaner and more open than the richer 2017. But its this vivid clarity and purity that is simply exhilarating and mesmerising, reminding me of the fragrant and profound wines of Côte-Rôtie or Chambolle-Musigny! The nose is breath-taking, with violets, white pepper, olive brine, lamb-drippings, bramble berries and eau de parfum! The haunting palate is vibrant and pure, with satin-like tannins encasing delicate sweet fruit, ending in a kick of concentration on the finish. Wow, best Epilogue yet!

Great wines are often immediately delicious from release and this has such perfect balance and seductive fruit now, it's hard not to drink. It will give any Syrah, no wine, around the world a serious run for its money. Drink now to 2028+.' – Roland Peens, 97/100

Past accolades: 97-99 points for vintages 2014-2017 from Tim Atkin MW and 94-96 from Christian Eedes, of Winemag.co.za