Grapes for our Boekenhoutskloof Syrah are picked from select parcels of the finest Syrah grown at our Swartland farms, Porseleinberg (90%) and Goldmine (10%), close to the small town of Riebeek-Kasteel. The Porseleinberg vineyards are planted on an extremely hard and rocky bedrock of decomposed Mica-Schist; a unique ward-defining terroir within the appellation. The vineyards on Goldmine sit on the south-west slopes of the Kasteelberg and comprise of Brown Schist with deposits of Table Mountain sandstone, which is weathered and washed from the adjacent mountain. The delicate combination of these two properties allow for this expression of both concentrated and structured wines, made from this Rhône grape.

Tasting Notes: The nose is forthcoming and concentrated, with intense aromas of plums, violets and a sleek spiciness. The midpalate is pure, peppery and vibrant, with black and red fruits in abundance, showing flavours of blueberries, dark liquorice, anise and earthiness. The wine is full-bodied and very complex, with plush tannins and vibrant, balanced acidity. Sweet tobacco and black cardamom linger on a charry finish, with subtle nuances of iron fer and tar.

Analysis is often deemed secondary to organoleptic impression in wine appreciation, but the relatively high pH of 3.94 in the 2022 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is worth noting – it lends the wine a certain plushness and breadth.Sourced predominantly from the producer’s Porseleinberg property (90%), with the remaining 10% from the Kasteelberg site known as Goldmine, the wine saw 60% whole-bunch fermentation and was matured for 18 months in foudre and 600-litre barrels. The nose is understated rather than effusive with notes of red and black berries, subtle floral perfume, fynbos, and a touch of white pepper. The palate is immediately accessible – polished and smooth-textured, with a gently savoury finish. Marked more by suppleness than tension. Alc: 14%. CE’s rating: 92/100.

‘"Double schist" says Gottfried Mocke of this wine, which combines grapes from Porseleinberg with 10% from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it's a refined, perfumed Syrah that is only aged in foudres and larger barrels these days, showing subtle ginger and pepper spice, sculpted tannins and raspberry, plum and blackberry fruit. Way less meaty than the 2021 was at the same stage. 2026-32’ – Tim Atkin MW 96/100

ANALYSIS: ALC 14% | TA 5.06g/L | pH 3.94 | RS 2.39g/L