2019 Gabrielskloof "Syrah on Shale", Bot River, South Africa
ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2019 GabriĂ«lskloof âSyrah on Shaleâ is a flagship wine from the Overberg regionâs Bot River Ward, crafted by GabriĂ«lskloof, a sustainably-minded estate founded in 2001 by BernhardâŻHeyns. Grapes are handâpicked, 40â60âŻ% wholeâbunch fermented with native yeasts in openâtop fermenters, followed by 18âŻmonths in 500âŻL neutral French oak barrels (10âŻ% new). Production is tinyâaround 3,300 bottles. The âSyrah on Shaleâ is part of the Landscape Series, each named for the geology that shapes them; the label designs, created by NiĂ«lâŻJonker, mirror this sense of place.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
After planting and championing Syrah and Cabernet Franc, the estate transitioned to lead winemaking under PeterâAllan Finlaysonâsonâinâlaw of Crystallumâs founderânow serving as Cellar Master alongside young winemaker AnmarâŻvanâŻNiekerk. The vineyard is planted on a single southâeasterlyâfacing Bokkeveld shale block, where wind and clay-rich soils stress the vines and create deeply concentrated fruit. GabriĂ«lskloof, situated in Walker Bayâs cool maritime climate, emphasizes terroir expression through sustainable, lowâintervention farming, handâharvested fruit, wild fermentations, minimal new oak, and biodiversity in the vineyards.
Description
ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2019 GabriĂ«lskloof âSyrah on Shaleâ is a flagship wine from the Overberg regionâs Bot River Ward, crafted by GabriĂ«lskloof, a sustainably-minded estate founded in 2001 by BernhardâŻHeyns. Grapes are handâpicked, 40â60âŻ% wholeâbunch fermented with native yeasts in openâtop fermenters, followed by 18âŻmonths in 500âŻL neutral French oak barrels (10âŻ% new). Production is tinyâaround 3,300 bottles. The âSyrah on Shaleâ is part of the Landscape Series, each named for the geology that shapes them; the label designs, created by NiĂ«lâŻJonker, mirror this sense of place.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
After planting and championing Syrah and Cabernet Franc, the estate transitioned to lead winemaking under PeterâAllan Finlaysonâsonâinâlaw of Crystallumâs founderânow serving as Cellar Master alongside young winemaker AnmarâŻvanâŻNiekerk. The vineyard is planted on a single southâeasterlyâfacing Bokkeveld shale block, where wind and clay-rich soils stress the vines and create deeply concentrated fruit. GabriĂ«lskloof, situated in Walker Bayâs cool maritime climate, emphasizes terroir expression through sustainable, lowâintervention farming, handâharvested fruit, wild fermentations, minimal new oak, and biodiversity in the vineyards.
