2019 Porseleinberg
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Tasting Notes
This vintage saw a break in the drought for South Africa, with rainfall around average and a relatively cool growing season. The nose here is dominated by herbs and spice – green peppercorn, dried rosemary and sage; leading on to a palate that offers pure red-berried fruit. There’s a mineral, chalky, furry grip of velvet tannins that frames the generous cherry fruit, with a saline mineral finish. Delicious. Aged for 12 months in 90% foudre and 10% concrete egg.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A brilliant and shining star, the 2019 Syrah bursts with savory herbs, red florals and spiced red fruit tones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shows an umami character with impressive mineral tension, succulent acidity and balanced tannins before concluding with a long, seductive and spicy finish. The wine continues to reveal its secrets with the persistent lingering aftertaste. 24,000 bottles were made from 100% whole-cluster Syrah.
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 Lowe, and better than the 2018 in my opinion.
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.
About the producer
Porseleinberg is a single-site Syrah from the Swartland that has, since its first vintage in 2010, become one of South Africa’s most celebrated and sought-after wines. Made by cult winemaker Callie Louw from incredibly poor soils on the slopes of the Porseleinberg, the wine is rightfully revered.