The Wine Front: 2023 Clarendon Syrah, 94 pts

This is taking Bekkers to the next level, at least at price point. A lofty zone to be in, but with mettle in viticulture, hard yards all round, serious undertaking generally, fine tuning in winery, you get the drift that perhaps this is due. Here we go!

This fits neatly into syrah paradigms with its overt perfume, silky texture, spice, sweet fruit, savoury undertows, herbal complexity and medium weight feel. Yes thanks. A quibble would be just a bit of faint warmth and breathiness, but the overall feel is supreme balance, immense satisfaction in balance of fruit and winemaking overlay, a serious depth in quality of fruit character, a wine of lip-smacking intensity and general satisfaction.

REVIEWED: June 2025
DRINK FROM: 2025 - 2032