Gabriëlskloof new releases

“Is there a defining character to Syrah from Bot River?” wonders Gabriëlskloof winemaker Peter-Allan Finlayson and consider his two versions of the variety next to Luddite as made by Niels Verburg and it would seem that this ward tends to produce wines that darker and more concentrated than anything from Polkadraai Hills or Swartland, a good thing for anyone who considers terroir to be valid. Tasting notes for Finlayson’s 2021s plus his Cabernet Franc of the same vintage as follows:

Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Syrah on Sandstone 2021
Price: R485
60% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black berries, a hint of fynbos and black pepper. Concentrated fruit, lively acidity and powdery tannins. Compact and textured with a super-dry finish. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Syrah on Shale 2021
Price: R485
60% whole-bunch fermentation. Black berries, olive, pepper and earth on the nose while the palate is super-dense with bright acidity and chewy tannins. This wine has plenty of fruit weight but remains vital and the finish is nicely dry. Alc: 14.2%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc 2021
Price: R485
Matured for 14 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Some reduction before red and black berries, a trace of leafiness, pencil shavings, vanilla and oak spice on the nose. Dense fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. Luscious on entry but ends dry, this stops just short of being too plush. Alc: 14.6%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.