Fact Sheets
Current Vintage
Previous Vintages
This wine is certainly about a sense of place.
The Gravel Hill terroir consistently provides a Syrah that is unique in character, quality and expression.
Since Carl’s first vintage at Hartenberg in 1993 he realized the distinct difference in the character and quality of a parcel of Syrah vineyard at the lower end of the Estate with extraordinary characteristics.
All these elements make for a unique red wine, shouting sense of place, true to terroir.
R1275,00 – R7650,00
Previous Vintages
The core of the now phenomenal reputation of The Gravel Hill Syrah is locked into the site’s unique geology. On the surface, there appears to be very little soil. Instead a 40 cm thick covering of brown, ferrous stone is undermined by a fine clay layer, stretching down a few meters
As the winter rains dissipate and the soil dries out, the subsoil clay cracks, and water filters through the gravel and collects in the clay fissures, serving as the vines’ water reservoir. As the summer heat wanes and the winter rain arrives, the clay swells, pruning the roots buried inside it, thereby limiting the vigour of the vines.
2019 Vintage 95 points Tim Atkin MW Decanter Gold medal
2018 Vintage 96 points Tim Atkin MW 4 ½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2017 Vintage 95 points Tim Atkin MW 2016 Vintage 95 points Tim Atkin MW 5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2015 Vintage 96 points Tim Atkin MW 2014 Vintage 95 points Tim Atkin MW 4 ½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2013 Vintage Syrah du Monde Gold medal 5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2012 Vintage Decanter Gold medal 91pts Robert Parker
2011 Vintage 94pts Tim Atkin SA Wine Report June 2016
2010 Vintage 94pts Tim Atkin SA Wine Report – June 2015
Robert Parker 94 points 4 ½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2009
Vintage 4 ½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2008 Vintage Gold Medal Syrah Du Monde
2013 4 ½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide 94 points Tim Atkins MW