Syrah, Boekenhoutskloof 2023

The 2023 Syrah comes from Swartland as usual, 60% whole bunch and aged for 18 months, 90% in Stockinger foudres and the rest in demi-muids. This has a perfumed nose with blueberry and black cherry scents, touches of pressed violet and peony emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Lovely balance, a tad more savoury than previous vintages with a ferrous/dried blood finish that lingers in the mouth. Very fine. Drink 2026-2041.

Dried herbs, cracked pepper, black plums, mocha and tobacco on the nose of this creamy red. It’s full-bodied with excellent freshness, fine and sleek tannins and a lovely peppery, savory touch to the black fruit. Drink now or hold.

Gottfried Mocke makes this complex, layered Syrah with grapes from Porseleinberg and a 10% contribution from the Goldmine property, both in the Swartland. Fermented with 60% whole bunches and aged in foudres and 600-litre barrels, it's an intensely perfumed style, with engaging violet, rose petal and fynbos top notes, savoury tannins and layers of blackberry, liquorice and oolong tea. Drink: 2028-38