Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2024 (Top 12)

Groot Phesantekraal is a historic family-owned farm in Durbanville, Cape Town, where the Brink family combines a strong connection to the farm’s heritage with a modern approach to winemaking. The estate sits in the cool-climate Durbanville wine region, where maritime influences and slower ripening help Syrah retain freshness and aromatic character while developing ripe, concentrated fruit. The estate’s Syrah vines are planted in Malmesbury Shale and clay soils, with the Syrah vineyard established in 1998. Moderate growth and relatively low yields help concentrate flavour, while the estate’s approach to winemaking aims to preserve the freshness and elegance associated with this cooler Cape climate. Groot Phesantekraal’s winemaking is overseen by Richard Schroeder, who joined the estate in 2020. The combination of Durbanville’s cool conditions, established Syrah vines and a measured use of oak gives the Groot Phesantekraal Syrah 2024 a style that sits comfortably between generous New World fruit and the savoury, peppery character associated with classic Syrah.

Colour: Deep ruby-red with a youthful purple edge.
Nose: Ripe plum and blackberry lead the way, followed by white pepper, gentle spice and subtle savoury notes. There is a freshness to the aromatics that reflects the cooler Durbanville growing conditions. The producer describes the wine as showing ripe plum and blackberry alongside elegant spice and white pepper.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied, with ripe dark fruit at the centre and a soft, rounded texture. The tannins are well integrated with the fruit and oak rather than dominating the palate, while fresh acidity keeps the wine lively. White pepper and gentle spice add savoury complexity to the plum and blackberry flavours.
Finish: Smooth and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, pepper and spice, leaving a fresh, savoury impression.