Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2022

Boekenhoutskloof draws this single-variety Syrah from two plots in the Swartland, the bulk from Porseleinberg with the remainder from Goldmine, both sites of shale, bedrock and decomposed mica. These low-vigour schist soils are central to the wine, restricting yields and pushing the vines to develop the dark fruit, pepper and savoury minerality that mark Swartland Syrah. The grapes are partially destemmed and vinified separately by vineyard, with fermentation running spontaneously in tulip-shaped concrete tanks, neutral vessels that hold temperature steadily and let the fruit ferment on its own flora without any oak character at this stage. Gentle pump-overs two or three times a day make for a measured extraction of colour and tannin. Eighteen months in French oak then settles the structure, the slow exchange of oxygen through the staves softening the tannins while keeping the wood in the background. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows dark plum and red berry with black pepper, smoke, olive and a peppery, earthy lift, and the palate is full bodied and savoury, with firm fine-grained tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at seventeen to eighteen degrees, decanting an hour ahead. Good with grilled beef, roast lamb and game.