Porseleinberg Syrah, Boekenhoutskloof 2024

The 2024 Porseleinberg, which was made by Callie Louw prior to his departure, uses 100% whole bunches and was aged for 12 months in 2,500-litre Stockinger barrels, with 10% in concrete egg. It has a fabulous nose with red berry fruit, allspice, oregano and light bay leaf scents that evoke the Northern Rhône with aplomb. The palate is medium-bodied with finely spun tannins, a liberal sprinkling of white pepper and gentle grip, with an effortless and prolonged finish. Just an exquisite Porseleinberg that will age with style.

Porseleinberg is one of those wines where the analytical numbers don't make sense, as it has a pH of 4.06 but retains remarkable freshness and acidity, partly from the 100% whole bunch fermentation. Aged in large Stockinger foudres and 10% concrete eggs, it’s a denser wine than the 2023 release, with stony intensity, aromas of clove, fennel and tomato leaf, blackberry and North African spice flavours and seductive tannins. One of the New World’s greatest Syrahs. Drink: 2028-40

This is another outstanding iteration of Porseleinberg and one which will compete with the 2023, 2019, 2017 & 2013 for being the ‘best ever’ vintage from this exceptional vineyard. A deep purple colour. The nose exudes class. An intense and aromatic perfume combining milled black pepper with subtle notes of herbs, olives, mint and thyme reminiscent of the ‘fynbos’ found in the Western Cape. This is a powerful, heady, concentrated wine with gorgeous, ripe, blue and black fruits just like a top-level Syrah from the Northern Rhône. Incredible purity and focus. On the palate the wine is powerful and mouthcoating. Fuller in velvety texture than some previous vintages but still possessing the fresh chalky acidity, tension and balance which this vineyard is capable of. Very spicy, complex and layered. Amazing length with a clean and fresh ‘lifted’ menthol finish. An absolute classic which delivers immediately but has the potential to keep and improve for many years hence.