| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2017 Porseleinberg saw 327mm of rain, which fell later in the season and meant they could irrigate at the right time. It was also much cooler than the previous year. Matured 70% in wooden foudre and 30% concrete eggs, this is a little more tertiary and austere on the nose with leather and bay leaf notes. The fruit gains presence with aeration. The palate is fresh and linear, well-defined with a gradual build in the mouth. There is real tension and depth, slight viscosity toward the finish with a beguiling peacock's tail on the finish. Magnificent. 2026-2050
An expressive nose of red cherry, sage, rosemary, and black pepper. Full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Fruity and energetic with wonderful intensity and depth. Savory red and black fruit wash over the palate with an abundance of delicious fresh herbs and ground spice. Long and gorgeous. Drink or hold.
Has any brand in South Africa achieved quite so much as Porseleinberg in less than a decade? This is the best vintage yet from this steep, brutal, extreme schist-rich site and that's saying a good deal. Big, bold and intense, with incredible, almost feral intensity, incense, tar and black pepper aromas and layers of inky dark fruit. A stunning wine from a stunning site, made by a gem of a winemaker. 2022-35
Deep ruby-purple in the glass. Ferrous and smoky on the nose, this is a bloody, rich and dark-fruited Syrah in the mould of Cornas. The palate is thick and peppery, with notes of chargrilled meats, sweet blackberry and ripe forest fruits on the palate. Concentrated, dense and powerful, the oily texture of the fruit is cut by the plentiful, mouthcoating tannins. Bold and muscular through to the finish, notes of dried herbs and freshly cracked pepper linger on, thanks to the 100% whole bunch in the wine. This is very impressive, generous in fruit but strict in structure. It has opened up impressively in the last 3-4 months but still needs another year in bottle. The structure and intensity suggests this will then drink well for 12-15 years.
This Swartland property is owned by Boekenhoutskloof but run independently by gifted winemaker Callie Louw. Alive and dynamic, this soars out of the glass, a touch of firework smoke to the vibrant berry fruits. Incredible energy and elegance on the palate, great freshness and focus, tiny tensile tannins and zesty acidity. Very long, this crackles on and on. The handsome labels are produced at the estate on a vintage Heidelberg press – but don’t assume there is any style over substance here: the 2017 Porseleinberg is a truly great Syrah.
Closed nose but then the most intoxicating, beautiful fruit purity on the palate: plum and blackberry plus chocolate, smoke, tar, and pepper spice. Profound and impressive, with great length and still lots of youthful charm. (RH)
More drought but 50% more rain than in 2016 and cooler temperatures. Foudres with a little concrete. A brilliant wine, the 2017 is chock full of the character that makes Porseleinberg what it is today. Game and dark fruit mix with rosemary, sage and top notes of pressed flowers. The palate follows this profile in flavour, the chalkiness of tannin building to the finish but the fruit matching it all the way. Multi-faceted in its fruit expression, it manages vibrancy and sweetness in a refreshing, moreish manner. Evolving and improving with time in the glass, it is a lipsmacking, gorgeous Syrah that speaks to variety, place and intention of maker. Outstanding.
