Have you ever had a wine that stops you dead in your tracks? This has been our experience of the Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022. Not only has it received a near-perfect score from Platter’s (99 points), it also recently scored 97 points (blind!) in the Winemag Prescient Report – an enormous achievement. In both instances, it was first in its category.
The 2022 is extraordinary. ‘Straight out of Côte-Rôtie’ (Platter’s Guide), it offers crushed roses, violets and deep black pepper framed by baking spices, smoky tobacco and distinct olive tapenade. We’ve been waiting over a year to release this wine. With such limited production and excellent quality, the Heritage Syrah could easily fetch twice its price.
The 2022 hails from a single vineyard planted in 1995 on the original Leeuwenkuil farm, now owned by Willie and Emma Dreyer. It shows exactly why Syrahs planted on schist soils are elite. Bush vines and incredibly low yields produce concentrated, small berries, resulting in a long-lived wine of both power and finesse – much like the famous wines of the Northern Rhône.
The Heritage Syrah will be available for collection or delivery from 4 May, 2026.
Tasting Notes:
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2022
‘Straight out of Côte Rôtie, 2022 delicate perfume of violet & peppered ham alongside black plum & cherry, framed with soft spice from 18 months in older oak. Elegant tannins & smoky tobacco note at finish complete exceptional wine. Welcome return after absence since 2019 (4.5 stars, 94 pts).’ – Platter’s Guide, 5* (99/100)
