MAY DAYS, HEYDAYS !

Be enveloped in the autumnal aura of Boschendal: soft sunshine, deep blue skies, coppery vineyards and golden trees, with the whitewashed buildings and their uneven surfaces dappled by the sun and shade. An ageless beauty, dependable and always there for you: Boschendal, an icon of motherhood - what better place to celebrate Mothers' Day, Sunday 8th May 2005. Bring your mother, your mother's mother, your children's mother and your mother-in-law along. A special gift from Boschendal awaits them!

For Mama - a rich, full-bodied wine with great aging potential - no better choice than mellow Merlot with its hints of cedar, red berry fruit, chocolate and coffee on the nose. Well-balanced, with firm tannins, it has a generous mouth-feel and lingering aftertaste.

Boschendal's Merlot Reserve 2001 is made from 100% merlot grapes, grown on ten year old vineyards in stony, well-drained clay-rich soils against the lower slopes of the Simonsberg mountain. The grapes were hand-picked at 24° balling, all leaves were removed before crushing and the juice fermented at 28° - 30° C. It was macerated for 17 days on the skins before pressing. After malolactic fermentation took place, a third of the wine was matured for 12 months in new French oak barrels while the balance was matured in second and third-filled barrels.

Merlot Reserve 2001 goes well with chicken liver pâté, roast duck, lamb and cheese; all regulars on Boschendal Restaurant's six-course buffet table. As the days turn cooler, this smooth red wine can be even better appreciated. It is the perfect accompaniment for a midday meal at Boschendal - in the recently refurbished main restaurant, or at Le Café - indoors or outdoors - or at Le Pique Nique. The picnic season closes on Sunday 15th May 2005 so be sure to make a turn soon. Add a bottle of Merlot to your picnic basket and enjoy it with the spinach, cream cheese and red pepper roulade, rare roast beef with wholegrain mustard, smoked chicken breast, country ham and the cheese and biscuits that have been specially packed for you.

Le Café's menu is about to change for winter. You can try Merlot Reserve 2001 with whole deep-fried brie topped with pecan nuts and dried figs caramelised in a cranberry sauce for starters, and for main course - venison pie or foccaccio filled with two lamb kebabs. End off with dessert and a choice of coffees: filter, cappuccino or espresso - or deliciously decadent hot chocolate instead!

It's almost mid-year and June will be upon us. Book now for Fathers' Day Sunday 19th June and for Christmas in June, the weekend of the 24-27th June - we may have our first snow by then! Please note that the Boschendal complex will be closed on Youth Day, Thursday 16th June 2005.

Reservations:

Email: reservations@boschendal.com
Tel: +27 (0) 21 870 4272/3/4/5
Fax: +27 (0) 21 874 2137