2013 Porseleinberg

The 2013 Porseleinberg marks the first vintage to include fruit from new plantings, around 30% of the blend. It was matured for 24 months in 60% foudres and 40% concrete eggs. This has a lively bouquet, more open with raspberry coulis, terracotta and white pepper, beautifully defined and becoming more succinct as it evolves in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky smooth texture. Perfectly pitched acidity imparts wonderful tension. Quite floral in style, with touches of white pepper and clove. There's plenty of energy with a very finessed finish. Callie Louw described this as the most "old school" Porseleinberg, and I am inclined to agree.

100% Syrah. The 2013 vintage was an all-round good vintage, rain at the right times and very healthy growing conditions. Slightly cooler in the ripening period which led to a later pick, around second week of February. Grapes were hand-picked and transferred as whole bunches to concrete tanks. The bunches were foot-stomped, after which natural fermentation took place. During the ferment two pumpovers were done per day until the fermentation was complete. The wine was pressed off to one foudre and three concrete eggs after a week on skins. Maturation took place over 24 months in 60% wood (foudre) and 40% concrete. Bottling was done early March 2015. TA 5.5 g/l, pH 3.7, RS 1.4 g/l. Very dark blackish garnet. Rather claret-like in structure. Very firm line. Lots of fine tannins. (JR)

The 2013 Porseleinberg uses whole bunch fruit and is matured 60% in foudre and 40% in concrete eggs. Winemaker Callie Louw has fashioned a wine that has a very composed, quite intense and voluminous bouquet - black cherries and iris, with less of the violets and more a brooding marine influence that with aeration takes control of the aromatics. The delineation here is very impressive. The palate is grippy on the entry, the terroir permeating this Syrah from start to finish. With a Cornas-like brutishness counterpoised with stunning delineation and focus, this is a serious Syrah for the Syrah Swartland afficionado. It has the presence to last 15-20 years and represents one of the region's best contributions to the vintage. Good luck finding a bottle!