South Africa 2021

The Syrah is as true an expression of this grape variety in the Swartland’s varied terroirs as you’ll find. In 2018, it’s a blend of four parcels planted in the stony Shale and Schist based soils of the Kasteelberg; two parcels of dry-land, bush vines grown in the decomposed Granite of the Paardeberg; and one on the rolling, iron-rich soils west of Malmesbury. The vines are aged between 22 and 30 years, and while delicious on first release, it’s a wine that will age impressively. There’s slightly less whole bunch this year, and it’s really open, grippy, and very fine.

From a plot in Franchhoek planted in 1932, there are just 5,000 bottles of the Franschhoek Old Vines Lötter Cinsault.

Chenin Blanc is grown on a 39-year-old Schist soil vineyard on Kasteelberg and a 43-year-old Granite soil vineyard on the Paardeberg, and the grapes are left to dry in the shade for 2-4 weeks following harvest. The resulting wine is remarkably pure and focussed. There’s a lemon character, with seville oranges and loads of spice all adding complexity. This is a brilliant sweet wine from Chris & Andrea Mullineux.

The Dry Red is inspired by the South African reds of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. At this time, wines labelled as Cabernet Sauvignon would frequently have a considerable proportion of Cinsault, and this is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Cinsault, and is a wine built for long ageing.

From a parcel planted in 1900, this is an incredible Cinsault of depth and power, and remarkable structure. Tiny quantities produced.

A blend of Chenin, Viognier, Verdelho, Semillon Gris and a few other grapes. A lovely nose that is saline and fine, with plenty of reduction. Really nice savoury finish. Punches above its weight

This is a new wine for the Mullineuxs, and is an incredibly long, textured expression of Chenin Blanc. There’s rather more yellow fruit than on the others, but it’s all about power and intensity at this stage. Give this a few years, and it will be spectacular.

The Schist Chenin Blanc comes from two parcels of 35 and 39 years old, planted in the heart of the Kasteelberg. It gives a structured and intense Chenin, with a core of ripe fruit. This is so grippy and long. Remarkable.

From a single parcel high up on the Helderberg, this is cool and fresh, with lots of lemon oil focus. An outstanding Chardonnay.

It comes from cooler sites across Stellenbosch, including a 39 year old parcel close to the sea, and parcels on the Helderberg and in the Polkadraai hills. This is silky and suave, and cool fruited: a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon.

From a 19 year old vineyard on the iron-rich soils around Malmesbury, the Iron Syrah has a breadth on the palate that’s not found on the other wines, and is stunningly aromatic. There’s incredible perfume here: this is bloody and almost citrus in character. A stunning Syrah.

The Schist Syrah comes from the couple’s Roundstone property, allowing full control of the farming. These 21 year old vines give a structured, peppery expression of Syrah. The berries here are 25% smaller than the Granite, and that gives this incredible texture and power.

The Granite Syrah comes again from the Paardeberg, from 24 year old vines, and is incredibly elegant and floral in style, with real focus. Powdery tannins and incredible length here. This is saline, with linear tannins and remarkable purity.