Balance 442 

Balance 442
Hudson Yacht and Marine Co LTD: Ju Jiang Village, Shi Jing, Nan An, Quan Zhou, Fu Jian Province, 362343, China
Balance Catamarans: 2 Marine Dr. Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa.
Boekenhoutskloof Swartland Syrah : Boekenhoutskloof Winery, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Today we are going to
1. Review its specifications, pricing and layout against three similar new vessels
2. Do a full tour asking, "What would Sylvia say?"
3. Naval Gaze at an innovation and/or adjustment that might make life aboard easier
4. Have a look at the used market for 3-5 year old comparables
5. And finally give it a "Dave Score" and compare the result with all our previously reviewed yachts.
From high above Vancouver, we fly west across Pacific all the way to China and the Hudson Yacht and Marine Co. yards in Ju Jiang Village, the home of last week's Future Yacht, the HH52. From here we continue Southwest all the way down to South Africa and the home of Balance Catamarans in Cape Town. Finally, we hope inland to this week's wine pairing at the Boekenhoutskloof Winery.
Wine: Boekenhoutskloof Swartland Syrah www.boekenhout...
1993: The farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.
1996: The first vintage of Boekenhoutskloof was produced from a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard that is still in production today.
1997: The first Porcupine Ridge was launched. It was a Sauvignon Blanc, with a label incorporating a pen and ink drawing by the late acclaimed wildlife artist Zakkie Eloff.
2002: The first vintage of The Chocolate Block was produced. From this 2002 vintage, 15 barrels were bottled and released in 2003
2003: The Wolftrap brand was launched. Even though no evidence of wolves has ever been found on Boekenhoutskloof, we created this wine to remind us of the mysteries and legends of days gone by.
2007: Marc Kent became Diners Club Winemaker of the Year in recognition for his unswerving winemaking excellence.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2018
Grapes for the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah are from selected parcels of the finest Syrah planted on the estates own Swartland farms, namely Porseleinberg and Goldmine. These vineyards grow on the rocky bedrock of decomposed Mica-Schist, a unique terroir expressed by the concentrated and structured wines.
The Syrah grapes are all hand-harvested into lug boxes and transported to Boekenhoutskloof in Franschhoek for vinification. Grapes are cooled prior to been transferred to tulip-shaped concrete tanks for fermentation.
A combination of partially de-stemmed and whole-bunch (40%) clusters ferment spontaneously with minimal sulphur additions and no acidification. A soft délestage is performed 2-3 times per day. Once maceration is complete, the skins are basket pressed and gravity-fed into traditional 2 500L Austrian oak foudres and 600L demi-muids for further ageing of up to 18 months.
Dark fruit dominates an intense, brooding nose with its black currant, black olive, tar and graphite aromas. Luscious, sweet red and dark berries follow through onto an exceptionally complex palate with rich flavours of ripe plums, black cardamom and hints of ground pepper and sweet tobacco.
A serious core of cured meat and green olive tapenade add to the attractive savoury character of the structured mid-palate, with notes of milk chocolate coating the mouth. The wine is supple, medium to full bodied, with beautiful concentration, silky-textured tannins and vibrant acidity to balance. Red fruit and spice linger on the finish with classic nuances of white pepper and lively garrigue adding a Provencal character.
Innovation Corner
• Balance 442 Web page: balancecatamar...
Isabel le Roux Oil on Canvas Harbour Cruise, Waterfront
Isabel le Roux was born in Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa. She is one of the most prolific artists in South Africa. Isabel has been painting professionally since 1974 and has held more than 50 solo exhibitions locally as well as overseas. Her works are included in the collections of numerous corporations and are sought after by art galleries, art dealers and private investors.
A first impression of her art is vibrancy. The courageous use of colour adds to the expressionistic quality of emotion and feeling. She paints life and creates her paintings in the journey of her own life. She is well known for her typical South African scenes, especially those from the Cape, but her travels abroad bring a new dimension to her work.
Sail away Balance ~ $1,372,500 USD