Groenland Premium Syrah 2019 — Platter’s 4.5★ (89 pts)
Big, bold and peppery — Platter’s 4.5 stars for a reason. The 2018 scored 92 points, and the 2019 keeps the momentum going. Concentrated dark fruit, black pepper and serious French oak.
The Story
Groenland has been in the Steenkamp family since the 1930s — four generations of farming the same Bottelary Hills slopes outside Stellenbosch. The late Kosie Steenkamp spent 45 years building the estate’s reputation, and his son Piet now runs the show as fourth-generation winemaker. With 150 hectares and 80% of it under red varieties, this is a red wine estate at heart — and the awards back it up.
The vineyards sit on elevated, south-west-facing slopes in the Bottelary Hills — one of Stellenbosch’s most prized red wine pockets. Clay-rich granite and Malmesbury shale soils give the reds their depth and structure, while cool afternoon breezes from False Bay keep the acidity in check. It’s the kind of terroir that serious wine people get excited about.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, dark purple-red
- Nose: Black pepper, concentrated dark fruit and nutty oak
- Palate: Full-bodied and muscular with dark berry, cracked pepper and a spicy oak backbone. There’s power here, but also a lively freshness that keeps it interesting
- Finish: Long, peppery finish with lingering spice
How It’s Made
100% Syrah from the estate’s premium red wine blocks. Matured for 12 months in 75% new French oak — that’s a serious oak program that gives this wine its structure and nutty complexity. The Bottelary Hills terroir adds the pepper and spice that Syrah lovers want.
Food Pairings
Slow-braised lamb shanks, pepper-crusted steak, game biltong, or a North African tagine. Outstanding with hard cheeses and cured meats.
Awards & Ratings
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5 Stars (89 pts)
- Platter’s Wine Guide (2018 vintage): 4.5 Stars (92 pts)
- Vivino Community Rating: 3.9/5
Cellaring: Drink now – 2030
The Bottom Line
Power, pepper and pedigree from the Bottelary Hills. Exclusively available at Vinty.
