2013 Porseleinberg Syrah Swartland Boekenhoutskloof

The 2013 Porseleinberg uses whole bunch fruit and is matured 60% in foudre and 40% in concrete eggs. Winemaker Callie Louw has fashioned a wine that has a very composed, quite intense and voluminous bouquet - black cherries and iris, with less of the violets and more a brooding marine influence that with aeration takes control of the aromatics. The delineation here is very impressive. The palate is grippy on the entry, the terroir permeating this Syrah from start to finish. With a Cornas- like brutishness counterpoised with stunning delineation and focus, this is a serious Syrah for the Syrah Swartland afficionado. It has the presence to last 15-20 years and represents one of the region's best contributions to the vintage. Good luck finding a bottle!

Red This has a core of raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry fruit waiting to burst out, harnessed for now by graphite-edged grip. Loads of black tea, violet and anise details fill in the background, while the finish ripples with acidity. Youthfully coiled, showing superb energy throughout. Syrah. Best from 2018 through 2027.-J.M.