SCORED 97 points and the international judges' joint favourite overall at the 2025 Trophy Wine Show, Groot Phesantekraal's 2023 Syrah was released at under R200pb – a great bargain relative to other top SA Shiraz wines selling for hundreds of rand more per bottle. Winemaker Richard Schroeder joined the farm in 2020, his debut 2021 Syrah placing among the winners at the Shiraz SA Challenge in 2022. He describes the 2023 vintage as showing bright pepper, berry, sage and fennel, both on the nose and in the mouth, where it “springs to life” with a “plush, vibrant acidity”.
André and Ronelle Brink's farm off the R302/Klipheuwel Road, 20km from the Atlantic ocean, attracts wine-lovers and road-trippers to the north-eastern reaches of the Durbanville Wine Valley, some distance away from most of the wine estates in the area along the Tygerberg Valley Road (M13). Once better know for their cattle, sheep and fields of grain, the property's reputation as a boutique wine producer has grown since the 1990s and today, besides the Shiraz, it is also the home of various other fine wines – in particular, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage – as well as a popular restaurant.
GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL SYRAH 2023
WO Durbanville. From a 25-year-old Shiraz vineyard planted in 1998 – the oldest block on the farm, trellised and on a south-facing slope. 20% whole-bunch fermentation. Aged in 400 and 500L French oak barrels (20% new wood) for 12 months.
Alc 13.5 | RS 2.4 | TA 6 | pH 3.6
From Producer's Tasting Notes: Bouquet of white pepper, red currant, raspberry, cedar, tobacco and fennel. On the palate, a tight structure with red currant and berry compote flavours, complemented by notes of fennel and dried sage with a hint of black olive brine. Youthful character. Excellent ageing potential: will evolve beautifully over the next 10 to 15 years.
Producer's Pairing Suggestions: grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic or lamb casserole, or a rich mushroom risotto, and also delicious with lasagne.
R179pb ex-cellar.