October 7, 2024
Porseleingberg 2020 - A South African 1st Growth
South African 1st Growth
We are thrilled to offer a rare opportunity to secure a case of Porseleinberg, one of the New World’s most exciting Syrahs. Hailing from South Africa’s Swartland region, it is often compared to Jamet Côte-Rôtie when tasted blind. Neal Martin and Tim Atkin have both drawn comparisons between previous vintages of Porseleinberg and Jamet's renowned Côte-Rôtie. Since its inception in 2010, Porseleinberg has gained a cult following and is regarded as a First Growth of South Africa by renowned critic Tim Atkin MW.
Porseleinberg, aptly named after the porcelain-like mountain range was founded by Mark Kent of Boekenhoutskloof, who recognized the potential of its schist soils while sourcing fruit for his other projects. Rumour has it that the grapes were once used in the early vintages of Eben Sadie’s legendary Columella.
"This is another scented, seamless stunner from Callie Louw. Aged in large foudres and 5% concrete eggs, it's a spicy, sappy, hauntingly elegant Syrah from a brutal site, with kelp, rose petal, and fynbos aromas, juicy bramble and red berry fruit, fine tannins, and a wonderful sense of energy." - Tim Atkin MW
The 2020 release continues this legacy, scoring an impressive 98 points and securing joint second place in Tim Atkin's South Africa 2022 Report—just one point behind the legendary Columella from Sadie. Neal Martin’s 97-point score underscores its quality, noting it as "Old World in style, very focused, it gently builds momentum to a bewitchingly complex Porseleinberg that will provide 20-30 years of drinking pleasure. Divine."
As one of our favourite New World Syrahs, I highly recommend securing a case for your cellar—though I suggest opening a bottle now to taste and see what the fuss is about!
Porseleinberg 2020
98 points | Tim Atkin MW
"We pick the vintage," says Callie Louw, whose 2020 Porseleinberg is the second lightest in alcohol he's ever made at 13.6%. Fermented with 100% whole bunches using the submerged cap technique that transformed the wine in 2018, this is another scented, seamless stunner from Callie Louw. Aged in large foudres and 5% concrete eggs, it's a spicy, sappy, hauntingly elegant Syrah from a brutal site, with kelp, rose petal and fynbos aromas, juicy bramble and red berry fruit, fine tannins and a wonderful sense of energy. 2024-32
97 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2020 Porseleinberg is aged for 12 months in foudres, blended in concrete and then aged 16 months in bottle. It is very fragrant on the nose with black fruit, white pepper, fennel and hints of lavender, not unlike a mature Jamet in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a light and peppery entry, beautifully proportioned with fine tannins. Old World in style, very focused, it gently builds momentum to a bewitchingly complex Porseleinberg that will give 20-30 years drinking pleasure. Divine.