February 6, 2025
"World class" Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2021
Boekenhoutskloof has firmly established itself as one of South Africa’s premier producers, renowned for its iconic Chocolate Block and the ultra-coveted Porseleinberg Syrah. Today, we’re delighted to offer the outstanding 2021 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, a wine of remarkable depth and value. Sourced almost entirely from Porseleinberg’s rugged schist soils, this vintage reflects the intensity and precision of its origins, delivering refined dark fruit, savoury spice, and a signature mineral edge. The 2021 release has that classic pepper aromas that Northern-Rhone drinkers will know and love.
Tim Atkin MW highlights this Syrah as a superb value alternative to the legendary Porseleinberg, noting, “Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg... it’s no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah.” Awarded an outstanding 97 points, it delivers exceptional quality at €31.50 IB per bottle—a rare find at this level.
The team at the Fine Wine Library all love this wine. With a world class pedigree and an affordable price tag, this is a must-have for any serious Syrah enthusiast.
About the winery: Boekenhoutskloof
Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1776 in South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, is a leading producer of exceptional wines. Revitalized in 1993 under Marc Kent’s leadership, the winery has become synonymous with innovation and quality. Known for its flagship Syrah and acclaimed blends like The Chocolate Block, Boekenhoutskloof seamlessly combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern precision. With vineyards spanning Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Swartland, the winery’s dedication to sustainability and terroir-driven expression has firmly established its global reputation in fine wine.
A key part of Boekenhoutskloof’s legacy is its role in the Swartland wine revolution, which transformed South Africa’s wine landscape. Spearheaded by visionaries like Kent and Eben Sadie, this movement revealed the region’s immense potential through low-intervention practices and old, dry-farmed vines. Focused on Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Grenache, Swartland wines have gained acclaim for their purity and bold flavours, reshaping global perceptions of South African winemaking.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2021
97 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property - it's no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class.
93 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2021 Syrah was picked later than the 2020. It contains more whole bunches than prior vintages (65%) and matured for 18 months, 90% in Stockinger foudre and Stockinger demi-muids. This is quite concentrated on the nose with dark berry fruit, bay leaf and white pepper, perhaps less floral than some of its peers. The aromatics feel tightly coiled at the moment. The palate is smooth and harmonious on the entry, with a fine structure. It is compact at the moment with cracked black and white pepper and garrigues notes flourishing toward the persistent finish. Much more backward than expected, I would cellar this for three to five years before cracking open as it's a serious Syrah.