Gabrielskloof 2023 Whole Bunch Syrah 750ml

The 2023 Syrah Whole Bunch comes mainly from the estate's shale block and saw no wood contact. This is a cuvée I adored last year, and the 2023 is the same. It has a divine bouquet that’s a little savory in style and well defined—the absence of wood renders this very expressive. Fresh and sapid, the palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a grippy finish. I suspect some people with closed minds might not take this seriously as there is no wood. They should think again.

Score: 92 points -- Neal Martin, Vinous, 2024