A wine to be tasted to be believed. The highest level of detail goes into the making of this wine. Each vintage a few barrels are selected to go into a complex solera system of barrel-aging. The fractionally blended Olerasay number 4 comprises wines from the 2008 through 2024 vintages. Aromas of sun-dried apricots and fynbos are followed by a concentrated palate with complex layers of citrus, candied ginger and marzipan, all balanced by a zesty acidity.

From Jakkalsfontein farm, this is a dense and muscular Syrah with obvious similarities to Cornas in style. Peppery and with notes of black olive the palate shows dark black cherry fruit, notes of grilled meat and a spicy accent of wild herbs on the finish.

From similar soils to those found in Côte Rôtie, the Schist Syrah is always the showstopper of the Mullineux range. Wonderfully graceful and poised with aromatics of black pepper, wild herbs, fennel seed, and liquorice root. There is a fine balance between floral, spicy, and savoury here with layers of complexity. Well-defined hedgerow fruit floods the palate with fine, supple tannins gaining in momentum through the palate. Extremely impressive.

As always, a truly benchmark Stellenbosch Cabernet the 2023 Leeu Passant Cabernet gives notes of espresso, cedar and ripe dark bramble fruit. There is some flesh and charm on the mid-palate which tigtens up and focuses through the finish with a fine, supple tug of tannin. Notes of violets, dark cherry and a little dark chocolate linger on the finish.

While this is the 'entry' Syrah from Mullineux, it is anything but in the glass. Offering remarkable freshness and energy, this is a classic Syrah with flavours of blue fruits, violets, tapenade and black pepper. The palate is fleshy and ripe with fine, ripe tannin and layers of spicy complexity on the finish.

A Chenin based blend from the Swartland with the addition of Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Semillon Gris and Verdelho. It shows upfront aromas of fresh stone fruit and lightly poached pears which follow through to a complex palate which has layers of yellow grapefruit and nectarines, a vibrant acidity with hints of ginger and lemongrass on the finish.

Coming from the Mullineux’s own vineyard on the Paardeberg, the vines yield small, intense berries which bring real intensity to the wine. There is a spiced note of ginger, white pepper, and orange peel which opens on the palate with a fine chalky texture of stone fruit and tangerine peel. There is a sense of focus and density on the palate with a hint of lemon balm on the finish.

This parcel, situated on the rolling hills outside of Malmesbury with Koffieklip soils enjoys cool nights and mild days during the growing season. A dry-farmed site, there is real intensity to these small berries. The wine opens with a little flintiness and white pepper with notable yellow orchard summer fruits, fresh orange peel and an engaging breath of ocean spray. The palate is crystalline and tightly coiled at the moment but very fine and beautifully layered.

From the Eikerlan vineyard on the Paardeberg, one of the highest altitude spots here, this is a Chenin that balances freshness, texture and density with incredible balance. There are notes of aniseed, ginger, and quince with a fine, noble bitter note of lemon pith and bitter melon. Charged with energy, this is one of the most impressive wines from the Mullineux stable this year.