Gabriëlskloof Whole Bunch Syrah

Gabriëlskloof Whole Bunch Syrah, Producer

Gabriëlskloof was established by Bernhard Heyns in 2001 on what had previously been wheat fields and sheep pasture in Bot River, in South Africa’s Overberg. The estate has since developed into more than 60 hectares of vineyards, with its reputation increasingly built around elegant, site-driven wines from the cooler Cape South Coast. Peter-Allan Finlayson, also known for his work at Crystallum, took over winemaking from the 2015 vintage and now works as Cellar Master alongside winemaker Anmar Van Niekerk. Their approach favours indigenous yeasts, whole-bunch fermentation and restrained vessels such as older oak and amphorae, allowing fruit and vineyard character to remain at the forefront.

The vineyards are managed with a strong focus on sustainability and biodiversity, working alongside respected viticulturist Rosa Kruger. Cover crops and native fynbos encourage biodiversity, while herbicides are avoided and vineyard practices aim to preserve soil health and moisture. The supplied offer also notes Gabriëlskloof’s status as a South African “First Growth” in Tim Atkin MW’s classifications.

Gabriëlskloof Whole Bunch Syrah, Terroir & Winemaking

The fruit comes from the Gabriëlskloof estate vineyards in Botrivier, where an Atlantic-influenced Mediterranean climate combines warm, dry growing conditions with cooling southerly winds from Walker Bay. The 2024 season followed a wet winter and spring, encouraging vigorous early growth, while challenging flowering conditions ultimately reduced yields. The resulting grapes nevertheless developed excellent concentration alongside lively natural freshness.

All of the fruit is hand-picked, foot-stomped and fermented as 100% whole bunches for approximately ten days. Keeping the stems introduces fragrance, spice and a distinctive sappy structure while gentle foot-stomping begins extraction without aggressively breaking the grapes. After pressing, 80% of the wine matures in stainless-steel tanks and 20% in older barrels for ten months. This unusual balance preserves bright fruit and freshness while the small oak component adds just enough texture and complexity.

Gabriëlskloof Whole Bunch Syrah 2024, Tasting Notes

Bright ruby-purple in colour, with an aromatic nose of redcurrant, plum and fresh bramble. Rosewater and violets bring a lifted floral quality, accompanied by cracked pepper, thyme and subtle earthy notes.

The palate is juicy and crunchy, with fresh red cherry and berry fruit balanced by lively acidity. Whole-bunch fermentation brings a distinctly sappy, herbal character and fine, dry tannins that give the wine tension without heaviness. As it opens, violet, fynbos and damp earth are joined by black olive, liquorice and gentle spice. Compared with the 2023 vintage, the producer describes 2024 as slightly less spicy and particularly succulent, with freshness and perfume at the forefront.