Porseleinberg Syrah

Tasting Note Porseleinberg Syrah

"One of the most sought-after Syrahs from the Southern Hemisphere. Beloved by collectors and acclaimed by international wine critics."

A deeply concentrated Syrah with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, violets, black olives, white pepper, and smoked herbs. Additionally, notes of graphite, granite, tobacco, and a subtle earthy minerality emerge. Despite its power, the wine remains remarkably fresh, with refined tannins, lively acidity, and an exceptionally long, complex finish. Preferably decant the wine for an hour before serving.

Cellaring Potential

Impressive now, but can easily age for 15 to 25 years under proper conditions. It is best to wait five to eight years before opening.

Wine & Food

This Porseleinberg Syrah is a deeply concentrated Syrah with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, violets, black olives, white pepper, and smoked herbs. Additionally, notes of graphite, granite, tobacco, and a subtle earthy minerality emerge. Despite its power, the wine remains remarkably fresh, with refined tannins, lively acidity, and an exceptionally long, complex finish.

Additional Information

The Porseleinberg Syrah is an iconic South African red wine from the Swartland region. Sourced from a steep, schist-rich mountainside, this wine delivers an unprecedented combination of power, finesse, and minerality. Under the guidance of winemaker Callie Louw, only Syrah is grown, with a strong focus on terroir and minimal intervention in the cellar. The result is a wine with a distinct character and impressive cellaring potential.

The grapes are harvested by hand and largely fermented as whole clusters. Fermentation occurs with natural yeasts. The wine then matures for approximately twelve months in large oak foudres, followed by a period of rest in concrete and bottle before release. This traditional approach highlights the purity of the fruit and the unique terroir.

Porseleinberg is located on a remote mountain near Riebeek-Kasteel in Swartland. The vineyards are planted on schist-rich soils with very low yields. Winemaker Callie Louw deliberately works with minimal technology and maximum attention to the vineyard. Porseleinberg is now considered one of the most sought-after producers in South Africa, and with annual production being limited, the wine is highly coveted worldwide.

View all from the high-profile winery Boekenhoutskloof

Wine Scores/Awards

Tim Atkin - 100 points (2026)
James Suckling - 95 points (2020)
Wine Spectator - 95 points (2019)
James Suckling - 96 points (2019)
Tim Atkin - 100 points (2018)
Platter's - ***** (2018)
Tim Atkin - 98 points (2017)

Fun Fact

The name Porseleinberg (Porcelain Mountain) refers to the white shimmer of the schist rock on the mountain slopes. In the sunlight, the mountain looks like it is made of porcelain, which gave the vineyard its name.