Syrah,

The 2019 Porseleinberg saw 415mm of rain, slightly more than previous years and cool growing conditions so that volumes were higher and the harvest could be conducted at a more leisurely pace, based upon tasting grapes in the vineyard. Matured for 12 months in 90% foudres and 10% concrete eggs, this has a peppery and spicy bouquet: bouquet garni, cracked black pepper and a touch of fennel. It's an absolute doppelgänger for a Côte-Rôtie. The palate is medium-bodied and broad-shouldered due perhaps to slightly higher residual sugar, with layers of black fruit laced with white pepper and clove, segueing into a more savory finish with touches of meat juice. There is captivating precision here, a brilliant Porseleinberg.