Big, bold and peppery — Bottelary Hills Syrah at its most concentrated. Previous vintages have scored up to 92 pts at Platter’s 4.5 stars; the 2023 continues in the same mould. Dark fruit, cracked 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.
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 — a serious oak programme 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.
Previous Vintage Track Record
Platter’s Wine Guide 2018 vintage: 4.5 Stars (92 pts)
Platter’s Wine Guide 2019 vintage: 4.5 Stars (89 pts)
Vivino Community Rating: 3.9/5
The 2023 vintage has not yet been rated.
Cellaring: Drink now – 2031
Power, pepper and pedigree from the Bottelary Hills. Exclusively available at Vinty.
