Don't Miss: 2021 Porseleinberg Syrah, Just Tasted & Highly-Recommended

Having sampled it yesterday, we are delighted to offer our allocation of one of the world’s great Syrah’s, the Porseleinberg Syrah 2021. From an excellent vintage for Swartland in South Africa, this is a stunning vintage for this rightly revered red. For those who love pedigreed reds with elegance, class and sophistication, it comes highly recommended.

The Porseleinberg Syrah is a phenomenal wine. It was first made in 2010 from a parcel of Syrah that was discovered after an exhaustive search for the best Syrah terroir in South Africa, and, having been lucky enough to have sampled every vintage ever made yesterday in London, we can confirm that it lives up to it potential. Indeed, it is now perhaps better than ever.

This is a Syrah that gives the likes of Hermitage and Cote Rotie serious competition. Winemaker Callie Low puts all his effort into the vineyard with the strategy that this means he can do as little as possible in the winery, allowing the vines to fully express themselves in the glass. Whole bunches and a submerged cap fermentation (learned from the Jamets of the Northern Rhone) add incredible complexity and structure.

The critics are yet to sample this 2021, but Neal Martin awarded the 2020 a stellar 97 points and called it ‘divine’. Given the quality of the vintage, the 2021 is likely to be of a very similar stature. Sadly, we have only fifteen cases available, do take a look and let us know if you would like any.

2021 Porseleinberg, Syrah 

15cs @ £510 per case (12*75cl OC)  in bond

99 points Tim Atkin MW

Given its consistently outstanding quality, it’s easy to forget that the average age of Porseleinberg’s 14 hectares of vineyards is only seven years’ old. Showing what Callie Louw calls a “little more crunch” in 2021, this is a Syrah with time on its side. Wild herb aromas of sage, oregano and rosemary introduce you to a palate that’s dense yet refined, with lots of whole bunch spice and structure, negligible oak influence, detailed, layered tannins, some underlying grip and layers of dark berry fruit. One of the world’s great reds from a very special site. Drink 2025-2032.

Vinum Fine Wines

A cool vintage with a long growing season and grapes with perfect ripeness. Very pretty on the nose, floral with a touch of smoke or spice. Stunning balance on the palate, with achingly pure fruit matched by striking acidity and sumptuous yet firm tannins. Elegant, with real substance coming through on the expansive and satisfying finish. The proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Excellent.

Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in the UK late 2023.