Porseleinberg 2014 Syrah

Swartland, Coast Region, South Africa

MB $90.68 (014519) | ON $99.95 (483941)

This is the fifth and finest vintage to date coming from Boekenhoutskloof’s organic Swartland property on Porcelain Mountain, which consistently ranks as one of South Africa’s best Syrah vineyards. Porseleinberg is produced from the oldest block of Syrah on the farm. (Other parcels are earmarked for the dense and savoury Boekenhoutskloof Syrah.) Made according to the Swartland Independent code (which dictates minimal intervention) by winemaker and viticulturalist Callie Louw who opts for whole bunch fermentation without any additives and has been known to use his feet to stomp on the grapes before aging in concrete and large-format foudres. There isn’t any new oak employed. The cooler and wetter conditions of 2014 didn’t dull or diminish the compelling nature of this exciting Syrah. It’s a stunner: concentrated and complex with a beguiling fragrance and vibrancy that keep things fresh and focused. Previous vintages have needed time to settle in bottle, this is ready whenever you are. Drink now to 2025. Highly recommended.