Boekenhoutskloof · Syrah · Swartland, South Africa · 2019

The Moment

This is the bottle you open when you want Syrah with nuance rather than noise — perfumed, savory, and quietly powerful. It’s a wine for thoughtful dinners, slow pacing, and moments where complexity matters more than volume.

What It Feels Like

The nose is highly aromatic and immediately compelling. Dark fruits — black cherry, boysenberry, crushed blueberry, and plum — rise alongside violets and pressed rose petals. Savory and earthy layers follow: black olive, tapenade, incense, star anise, potting soil, smoke, and bacon fat, creating a profile that feels both wild and finely tuned.

On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet poised. Wild berries and brambles lead, joined by liquorice, tobacco, clove, and black cardamom. There’s a distinctly savory through-line here — smoky, olive-driven, and mineral — balanced by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and precise rather than heavy.

The finish is long, layered, and deeply satisfying. Fine-grained, cocoa-powdery tannins provide a tight, grainy texture, while lingering notes of dark chocolate, garrigue, and a subtle saline edge echo long after the glass is set down.

Perfect For

Grilled lamb, venison, or duck
Herb-driven Mediterranean dishes
Charred vegetables and smoky preparations
Evenings that call for elegance with edge

The Vibe Pairing

Playlist energy: Northern Rhône classics, moody jazz, cinematic instrumentals
Aura color: Deep violet, black olive, smoked earth
Time of day: Dinner → quiet conversation → contemplative last pour

Why We Love It

The 2019 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is widely regarded as world-class — often compared to Côte-Rôtie for its perfume, structure, and restraint. It delivers balance and depth in equal measure, offering immediate pleasure while promising graceful evolution over the next 15–20 years. A benchmark expression of modern South African Syrah.

Bold & Powerful · Still Red