Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020

The 2020 Syrah Boekenhoutskloof is the first vintage under 14% alcohol. It utilizes 60% whole bunches with natural ferment in concrete vats and aged for 18 months mainly in Stockinger foudres. It has a cool but focused bouquet that gains intensity with aeration: blackcurrants, bilberry, pressed iris flower and a pinch of Provençal herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, sappy and beautifully balanced, gently building towards a voluminous, almost Côte-Rôtie-like finish. One of the best Syrahs that I have tasted from Boekenhoutskloof in a while. Drinking window: 2024-2042. Score – 94. (Neal Martin, vinous.com, Sept. 2022)