In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 Porseleinberg, Coastal Region, South Africa. Red south africa-red in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2024–2045. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Porseleinberg is one of South Africa’s most sought-after Syrah producers, a rugged Swartland estate owned by Boekenhoutskloof but run independently by winemaker Callie Louw. Produced from a single vineyard high on Porcelain Mountain, where vines grow in harsh schist soils, Porseleinberg has become a benchmark for South African Syrah, often compared with the great wines of the Northern Rhône. Inspired by producers such as Jamet and Clape, the wines combine intense dark fruit, savoury spice and mineral freshness with remarkable finesse and energy. Previously a fruit source for Eben Sadie’s early Columella vintages, this exceptional terroir is now fully expressed through Porseleinberg’s own strikingly pure and ageworthy wines, widely regarded as among the finest Syrahs produced in the Cape.
Anthony Mueller (AM) — 95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 29/12/2023 · Drink 2024 - 2036
Ripe yet still firm, the 2021 Syrah is fresh and savory with a delightfully floral element that sways with spicy and dark red-fruited essences. Medium-bodied, the palate is balanced, fresh and firmly structured with gripping tannins and an elegant mineral tension. The wine ends with a ripe and spicy finish. 47,000 bottles were produced after resting 12 months in foudre before bottle aging for 16…
Neal Martin (NM) — 97/100 · Vinous, 01/11/2023 · Drink 2026 - 2045
The 2021 Porseleinberg is whole bunch fermented and aged for 12 months in foudres. I gave my glass plenty of aeration. Chatting with winemaker Callie Louw, this wine can be closed, this being the first time I had tasted it at the remote Swartland estate. It has a compelling bouquet with fabulous delineation, a mélange of, say, one-third red and two-thirds black fruit, hints of iron filings and re…
Tim Atkin MW (TA) — 99/100 · -, 01/11/2023 · Drink 2025-2032
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.