BoekenhoutskloofPorseleinberg Syrah 2018

“In the right hands, great sites produce great wines. Since its inception in 2010, Porseleinberg has been one of the Cape´s most exciting reds, but nothing quite prepared me for the transcendent brilliance of this wine. Influenced by some time spent at Domaine Jamet in Côte Rôtie - particularly their use of a submerged cap during fermentation - Callie Louw has made a stunning Syrah, proving his skills as both a farmer and a winemaker. In 2018, the style has shifted, away from power and grip to something more scented and refined. Focused, nuanced and very delicately oaked, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, clove and white pepper spice and textured tannins. Simply world class. 2023-35”

Savory aromas of grilled plums, meat and herbs as well as hot stone and crushed blackberries. Full-bodied with fine, silky tannins that are soaked in fruit and run the length of the palate. Bright and driven with wonderful depth and complexity. Mineral and textural with wonderful length. White smoke and grated nutmeg. Drink or hold.

Beginning with a dark ruby core with magenta highlights, the 2018 Syrah open to a bright, lifted fruit array with intense aromatics of black cherry, dark plum and black raspberry before making way to a beautiful spice rack of black peppercorn, dried herbs and freeze-dried strawberry with a mineral essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine continues to somersault in the mouth, offering a delightful array of dusty roses, lavender and lilac, black peppercorn and potpourri. Juicy acidity and high toned, red fruit flavors express in waves with a kiss of iodine and umami with a delightful mineral tension. The wine finishes with elements of graphite and black raspberry that sway with a taught, dusty essence, long, lingering spice notes and firm, buttressing tannins.