A New Benchmark: Porseleinberg 2023 and the Legacy of Callie Louw

When Porseleinberg’s 2023 vintage was released, anticipation was sky-high—and the wine more than delivered. Awarded a perfect 100 points by Tim Atkin MW, the new release has been hailed as a defining expression of Syrah from the Swartland and one of the greatest vintages yet.

A Tough Growing Season

The 2023 season in the Swartland was dry and unforgiving. Rainfall was low, the vines were under stress, and yields were smaller than usual, producing tiny, concentrated berries. On Porseleinberg’s windswept mountain vineyard—where poor soils are more rock than earth—these conditions pushed the vines to their limits. Harvesting stretched into March, allowing full ripeness to develop while preserving freshness and intensity. The result is a wine that is both powerful and finely etched, born out of struggle but delivered with precision.

In the Cellar

Winemaker Callie Louw has never been one for shortcuts, and in 2023 he refined his approach once more. Around 90% of the fruit was fermented as whole clusters, with much of it handled via the submerged-cap technique, which allows for gentle, even extraction. The balance was treated more conventionally to add nuance and mid-palate lift. Ageing took place in a mix of large foudres and concrete, chosen to highlight purity and terroir rather than overlay the fruit with oak. The result is a wine that feels tighter, more perfumed, and more focused than ever before, while still carrying the depth and structure that have made Porseleinberg a modern icon.

The Wine in the Glass

From the first pour, the 2023 vintage is electric. The nose opens with vivid notes of red cherry, raspberry and wild blueberry, lifted by violet, fennel and black pepper, underpinned by hints of thyme and incense. The palate is taut and linear, framed by fine chalky tannins that carry the fruit with energy and precision. Bright red fruit leads into darker berry tones, before a wave of crushed stone, mineral and saline notes pushes through on the finish. Concentrated yet elegant, it lingers with spice and savoury complexity, already a joy to drink but built to evolve for decades.

Callie Louw’s Legacy

Since the inaugural 2009 release, Callie Louw has been the farmer and winemaker at Porseleinberg, guiding every vintage from vineyard to bottle. His philosophy has always been to let the site speak for itself, and over the years he has honed a style that balances power with finesse, intensity with restraint. The 2023 vintage is especially significant because it comes at a turning point: Louw is preparing to leave Porseleinberg to pursue his own project on the Paardeberg, passing the reins to a new generation. As one of his final vintages, the 2023 carries his unmistakable touch and will be remembered as a milestone in both his career and the estate’s history.

Why It Matters

Porseleinberg 2023 is more than just another great vintage—it’s a statement of what the Swartland is capable of. It shows that even in a difficult season, this extraordinary site can produce a wine of precision, perfume and power that rivals the best Syrah in the world. It also marks the closing of a chapter for one of South Africa’s most influential winemakers. For collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who loves wines of place and authenticity, the 2023 release is one to treasure.