96 points, Tim Atkin MW
|
94 points, Vinous
|
93 points, Wine Spectator
|
About the Wine
Critic Reviews
96 points, Tim Atkin MW
94 points, Vinous
93 points, Wine Spectator
“Porseleinberg is one of the greatest Syrah sites in the southern hemisphere. The vines are still young, but this brutal vineyard produces wines of incredible intensity and focus. Entirely whole bunch fermented and aged in foudres, this is slightly more forward than some recent releases, but still needs time. Fynbos, dark berry fruit, blood and stony minerality combine on the palate. Drink: 2018-26”
94 points, Vinous
“The 2016 Syrah was 'a hell of a challenge,' according to winemaker Callie Louw, but he produced an absolutely stunning wine, despite the parched vines suffering half the amount of rainfall. The wine was matured in 70% foudres and 30% concrete eggs. This was the first year the alcohol level breached 14.0%. The very expressive bouquet, more vivid than the 2015, features blackberry, bilberry, a touch of raspberry, cracked black pepper and just a faint hint of charcoal. This is a very cerebral Porseleinberg. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, outstanding structure, broody black fruit and gentle grip, and the schist soils are very expressive on a finish that feels fresh but extremely complex”
93 points, Wine Spectator
“Ripe and inviting, with warm plum sauce and raspberry pâte de fruit notes wrapped in red licorice and roasted vanilla details. A sanguine streak contrasts with the fruit and enlivens the finish. Youthfully compact, but this displays serious latent length. Syrah. Best from 2020 through 2029.”
About The Winery
The revolutionary Porseleinberg project came about as a result of South African icon Marc Kent's search for premium Rhône grapes for his Boekenhoutskloof and Chocolate Block labels. The journey naturally took him to the Swartland, which at that time was just emerging as a premium South African wine region. Kent found an ideal 173-acre wine farm atop the Porseleinberg mountain that he purchased in 2009. He quickly recognized the enormous potential of the area, and after replanting the vineyard to Syrah and Grenache, he decided to create a premium Swartland Syrah from the choice fruit. He brought in Callie Louw as the viticulturist and winemaker for the project. Louw is the quintessential farmer who finds himself most at home on the tractor or in the vineyard, and has proven himself to be a masterful winemaker.
