Syrah, Boekenhoutskloof 2021

The 2021 Syrah was picked later than the 2020. It contains more whole bunches than prior vintages (65%) and matured for 18 months, 90% in Stockinger foudre and Stockinger demi-muids. This is quite concentrated on the nose with dark berry fruit, bay leaf and white pepper, perhaps less floral than some of its peers. The aromatics feel tightly coiled at the moment. The palate is smooth and harmonious on the entry, with a fine structure. It is compact at the moment with cracked black and white pepper and garrigues notes flourishing toward the persistent finish. Much more backward than expected. I would cellar this for three to five years before cracking open as it’s a serious Syrah.

Lovely fragrance with thyme, cracked pepper, iron, coriander and black berry fruit. Medium-bodied, peppery and compact, with vibrant acidity and a focused finish. Long and persistent. Drink or hold.

Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property - it's no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class. Drink 2025-35.

Deep, glistening purple colour. The nose has real punch, melding sweet red cherries, darker bramble fruits and pink peppercorns. There is a whiff of bay leaf to denote the whole-bunch inclusion but the fruit is up front and very seductive. The palate is sappy and full of energy, layering juicy, pulpy red fruits - fresh and roasted plums, more tangy red cherries and a hint of blackberry. Lightly cured meats and black pepper give just the right hit of Syrah typicity, and there is a light note of black olive in the background. Succulent due to the soft tannins, this is supple enough to drink now. The finish is broad but vibrant and very long, enjoy this over the coming decade or more.