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!

Meaty, layered, fragrant, peppery and still very tannic. Long, floral length. Firing on all cylinders. Immaculate. Gives Hermitage a serious run for its money. (RH)

New site, Riebeeksrivier, first harvested 2015 and made at Helderberg. Whole bunch. Vines planted mid 1990s and for the first time they have blended some of the new vines (2010) in too. Mix of large oak and concrete. Lively crimson. Rich and definitely Syrah but not at all heavy or sweet. Muscular with just a hint of dry treacle. Sinewy. Food wine. Would be great with meat. (JR)