Great Heart empowerment project

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines has started a new staff empowerment project called Great Heart Wines – the wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff, and a portion of all sales under this label will go directly to them. The first wines are available in the UK from Waitrose selling for £14.99 a bottle (equivalent to R305 at the current exchange rate), and the team is in discussion with a retail partner in South Africa. The range currently consists of Chenin Blanc and a red blend from the Swartland with a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch set to join the line-up soon. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Great Heart Chenin Blanc 2020
Grapes from two Paardeberg vineyards. 85% fermented in tank and 15% in older barrels. Top notes of talcum powder and dried herbs before citrus and white peach on the nose. The palate is pure and fresh with a pithy, slightly bitter finish – dense and tightly wound.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Great Heart Red Blend 2019
51% Syrah, 34% Tinta Barocca and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 50% whole bunch fermentation for th Syrah and Tinta Barocca. Matured for 18 months in older oak barrels and foudre. Red fruit, spice and a slight earthiness on the nose. The palate is juicy with moderate acidity and soft tannins – uncomplicated but agreeable drinking.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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