“One of the world's great Syrah vineyards.” - Tim Atkin, 99 points

“Very Rhône-like in style, it reminds me of a Jamet Côte-Rôtie.” - Neal Martin, 96 points

The last time I was at Porseleinberg, they were unloading a new press from the back of a lorry. Normal stuff for a winery. Nothing to see here. Move along. Except there was something unusual. They had shipped the press all the way from Domaine Rene Rostaing in the Northern Rhône. Now, a press doesn’t add any extrinsic flavour to a wine, it’s just an inert piece of equipment that squeezes the juice from the grapes, but such is the attention to detail that Marc Kent and Callie Louw bestow upon their Porseleinberg Syrah, that, in their attempt to make a South African version of a Côte-Rôtie, they shipped a press (a press!) all the way from the Northern Rhone. Maybe they thought it was imbued with magical properties! Ha! Then again, maybe it was, because this wine could easily be mistaken for a top notch Cote Rotie from someone like, oh I don’t know, Rene Rostaing. 14% alc. Drink now-2040.

Press review:

Tim Atkin MW: “This remarkable site has established itself as one of the world's great Syrah vineyards in less than a decade. Sourced from four blocks totally 4.5 hectares, Callie Louw's stunning red is just short of perfection this year, but is still brilliant, confirming the evolution in style of the Jamet-inspired 2018. Leafy, spicy, rose petal aromas are supported by pure red berry fruit, detailed tannins and the faintest hint of oak. Drink 2022-2035.” 99 points

Neal Martin: “The 2019 Porseleinberg has a brilliant nose, as I would expect, presenting an exquisitely defined mixture of red and black fruit with hints of honey and orange blossom, pressed iris petals and incense. The medium-bodied, harmonious palate offers fine-grained tannins and a judicious touch of white pepper and clove. Very Rhône-like in style, it reminds me of a Jamet Côte-Rôtie tasted the previous month. Absolute class from Callie Louw and better than the 2018 in my opinion. Drink 2025-2050.“ 96 points