Porseleinberg Syrah Swartland 2020

Description

Porseleinberg has emerged as one of the great wines of the Swartland, the product of a ghastly unique site. It is a hellishly difficult location to grow vines. Situated high up in the Pardeberg range the land here is pure, rocky schist. Stony, exposed to cool winds, and very steep with little water the vines here work devilishly hard to produce a tiny yield of grapes. A 5-hectare vineyard, this is the jewel in the crown of the Boekenhoutskloof stable (makers of Chocolate Block), and the first release was in 2010. Over the past years this wine has become a distinctively consistent feature of the Syrah movement in South Africa. While the varietal aromas are familiar, the vineyard gives this incredble structure - a a pure and refined focus of tannins and bright, crunchy acidity. Enjoyed recently it needs several hours decanting if enjoyed in its youth and will evolve wonderfully in the cellar.

97pts. The 2020 Porseleinberg is aged for 12 months in foudres, blended in concrete and then aged 16 months in bottle. It is very fragrant on the nose with black fruit, white pepper, fennel and hints of lavender, not unlike a mature Jamet in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a light and peppery entry, beautifully proportioned with fine tannins. Old World in style, very focused, it gently builds momentum to a bewitchingly complex Porseleinberg that will give 20-30 years drinking pleasure. Divine. Neal Martin, Vinous