Boekenhoutskloof - Swartland Syrah 2021

Decanter

About the wine:

Vibrant red and black raspberries and cherries, enhanced by black and white pepper in this cooler vintage. The tannins are of great finesse and seem tapered, crisp and fine. There's a subtle but persistent flavor of tea leaves and a hint of violets, while the palate retains lovely tension and appetizing structure. Wonderfully vibrant and balanced in an energetic, aromatic style. Since 2015, Syrah has been produced entirely from Swartland fruit. In 2021, grapes were sourced from Riebeek-Kasteel in Swartland, including 90% from the Porseleinberg site (acquired in 2009) and 10% from Goldmine (acquired in 2014). Kent has switched from stainless steel to concrete fermentation in recent vintages. This wine is spontaneously fermented with 65% whole bunches and aged in 2,500-liter Stockinger barrels and 600-liter demi-muids for 18 months. 2024-2044

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Deep garnet. Openly floral and peppery, intensely aromatic, it might even be described as "pretty" were it not for the fact that it also evokes the savory character of Syrah and contains plenty of unsweetened black fruit. On the palate, there's a touch of sweetness from the oak, but the fruit is mostly clean and aromatic, the tannins already remarkably soft and elegantly fine. The finish is pure and deliciously dry. Medium-bodied and very elegant. 2024-2031

Vinous

About the wine:

Syrah 2021 was harvested later than 2020. It contains more whole bunches than previous vintages (65%) and was aged for 18 months, 90% in Stockinger foudre and Stockinger demi-muids. The nose is very concentrated, with aromas of black fruit, laurel and white pepper, perhaps less floral than some of its peers. The aromas seem very strained at the moment. The palate is soft and harmonious on entry, with a fine structure. It's compact, with notes of cracked black and white pepper and garrigue blossoming towards the lingering finish. Much further back than expected, I would cellar it for three to five years before opening it, as this is a serious Syrah. 2027-2048

James Suckling

About the wine:

Lovely fragrance of thyme, cracked pepper, iron, coriander and dark berries. Medium-bodied, peppery and compact, with vibrant acidity and a concentrated finish. Long and persistent. For drinking or cellaring.

Tim Atkin

About the wine:

Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the remaining 10% from the Roundstone estate in Boekenhoutskloof - it's not surprising that this Syrah is so impressive. Fermented with 65% whole clusters, it combines aromas of game, lavender and Asian spices with a palate of white pepper, grilled meat, oregano and blackberry framed by grainy, sappy tannins. A world-class wine.