South Africa En Primeur

This is an exciting time for South African wine. A new generation of talented winemakers is drawing on the country's rich legacy of old vineyard plantings, and the result is a surge of world-class wines. Vintage releases from estates such as Sadie Family Wines, Alheit Vineyards and Boekenhoutskloof are now eagerly anticipated, with some achieving genuine cult status. South Africa, it seems, is finally realising its potential.

Porseleinberg

Under the stewardship of Boekenhoutskloof, this Swartland vineyard is the source of one of South Africa's finest red wines. Made from 100% Syrah grown on vines planted in 1997, the schist-rich soils and north-northwest and west-northwest aspects ensure abundant daytime sunshine. The fruit is organically grown and fermented predominantly as whole clusters, with approximately 10% destemmed. The wine is matured for twelve months, 90% in foudre and 10% in concrete eggs.

Since owner Marc Kent acquired the site in 2009, winemaker Callie Louw oversaw production, helping to elevate Porseleinberg to cult status. With Louw’s departure in 2025, his successor is Eben Meiring, of the Boekenhoutskloof winemaking ‘academy’.