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Boekenhoutskloof - Swartland Syrah 2021

Boekenhoutskloof - Swartland Syrah 2021

Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5
3/5 (1 customers)

97/100

Tim Atkin

96/100

Decanter

94/100

James Suckling

17/20

Jancis Robinson

93+/100

Vinous

South Africa
Syrah
elegant
dark berries
wonder
leg of lamb

"A world-class wine according to Tim Atkin, this Syrah blossoms beautifully in the glass: finesse, harmony, and flavor—a delight!"

“Given that 90% of its grapes come from Porseleinberg—the remaining 10% come from Boekenhoutskloof’s Roundstone estate—it’s no surprise 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, sap-like tannins. A world-class wine.” (Tim Atkin 2023)

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Estate

Boekenhoutskloof

Vintage

Syrah

Vintage

2021

Designation

Swartland

Region

South Africa

Grape varieties

100% Syrah

Terroirs

A selection of the finest Syrah grapes from specific plots across the Swartland region: 90% from the Porseleinberg vineyards (characterized by the hard, rocky substrate of weathered mica schist typical of the appellation) and 10% from Goldmine (southwest-facing slopes of Kasteelberg: brown schist, sandstone deposits from Table Mountain,

Viticulture

Reasoned

Grape Harvest

Manuals

Winemaking

The grapes are cooled in a cold room, then transferred to oval concrete tanks, where spontaneous alcoholic fermentation takes place using both whole clusters and partially destemmed grapes (65% whole clusters). Gentle punching down is performed 2 to 3 times a day, followed by pressing of the skins, after which the juice is transferred by gravity to traditional Austrian oak casks and demi-muids for aging.

Production method

Vegan-certified, very low in sulfur, unacidified

Livestock farming

Aged for 18 months in traditional 2,500-liter Austrian oak casks and 600-liter demi-muids

Alcohol content

13,75%

Eye

Deep, intense garnet color; bright, clear appearance

Nose

Open and concentrated, with aromas of red berries, plums, thyme, and violets, enhanced by elegant spicy and peppery notes

Palate

Pure, peppery, and vibrant, with aromas of black and red fruits, flavors of blueberry, black licorice, anise, and warm earth; full-bodied and complex, with silky tannins and balanced acidity; the long finish leans toward tertiary notes of tobacco and cardamom, lingering on subtle smoky and tarry hints

Serve

At 15-18°C

Open

1 to 2 hours before

Drink from

2025

Drink before

2048

Food and wine pairings

Food and wine pairings

Enjoy it with a leg of lamb with rosemary, a ribeye steak with blue cheese sauce, or thin slices of sheep’s milk tomme...

More information at Boekenhoutskloof

More information at Swartland

Decanter

Decanter

Wine rated (2024 guide) 96/100

About the wine:

Vibrant red and black raspberries and cherries, accented with black and white pepper in this fresher vintage. The tannins are exceptionally refined, appearing slender, crisp, and delicate. There is a subtle yet persistent note of tea leaves and a hint of violet, while the palate retains lovely tension and an appealing structure. Wonderfully vibrant and balanced in an energetic, aromatic style. Since 2015, the Syrah has been produced entirely from Swartland fruit. In 2021, the grapes came from Riebeek-Kasteel in the Swartland, with 90% from the Porseleinberg site (acquired in 2009) and 10% from Goldmine (acquired in 2014). Kent has moved away from stainless steel fermentation in favor of concrete fermentation in recent vintages. This wine is fermented spontaneously with 65% whole clusters and aged in 2,500-liter Stockinger barrels and 600-liter demi-muids for 18 months. 2024–2044

Jancis Robinson

Jancis Robinson

Wine rated (2024 guide) 17/20

About the wine:

Deep garnet. Openly floral and peppery, intensely aromatic; one might even call it “pretty” were it not for the fact that it also evokes the savory character of Syrah and is packed with unsweetened black fruit. On the palate, there is a touch of oak sweetness, but the fruit is above all crisp and aromatic, and the tannins are already remarkably soft and elegantly refined. The finish is clean and deliciously dry. Medium-bodied and very elegant. 2024–2031

Vinous

Vinous

Wine rated (2023 guide) 93+/100

About the wine:

The 2021 Syrah was harvested later than the 2020. It contains a higher percentage of whole clusters than previous vintages (65%) and was aged for 18 months, 90% of which was spent in Stockinger large oak casks and Stockinger demi-muids. The nose is very concentrated, with aromas of black fruit, bay leaf, and white pepper, perhaps less floral than some of its peers. The aromas seem very taut at the moment. The palate is soft and harmonious on entry, with a fine structure. It is compact, with notes of cracked black and white pepper and garrigue that unfold toward the lingering finish. Much more reserved than expected, I would cellar it for three to five years before opening, as this is a serious Syrah. 2027–2048

James Suckling

James Suckling

Wine rated (2023 guide) 94/100

About the wine:

A lovely aroma of thyme, crushed pepper, iron, cilantro, and blackcurrants. Moderately full-bodied, peppery, and dense, with lively acidity and a concentrated finish. Long and lingering. Ready to drink or worth cellaring.

Tim Atkin

Tim Atkin

Wine rated (2023 guide) 97/100

About the wine:

Given that 90% of its grapes come from Porseleinberg—with the remaining 10% sourced from Boekenhoutskloof’s Roundstone estate—it’s no surprise 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, sap-like tannins. A world-class wine.

Customer rating

Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5

3/5

based on 1 review

Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5Wine rated 3/5

Review by Mr. JEAN-MICHEL P. Published on January 17, 2026

A fruity nose with notes of blackberry and a distinctly fruity palate with noticeable oak. However, a slight bitterness makes it less than pleasant to drink, despite the initial comfort provided by the wine’s smoothness on the palate.

See all reviews from this customer

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