Mullineux new releases
By Christian Eedes, 6 April 2021
-
Share:
1
Chris and Andrea Mullineux.
Andrea Mullineux relates that when she and her husband Chris started their Swartland-focused label in 2008, they processed all of 30 tonnes of grapes compared to around 150 tonnes now. Quality has not been compromised as the recent release of their three “Signature Wines” makes clear. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Mullineux Old Vines White 2020
Price: R345
65.5% Chenin Blanc, 17.5% Clairette Blanche, 5.2% Grenache Blanc, 4% Viognier, 4.7% Semillon Gris and 3.1% Verdelho. Elusive aromatics of white and yellow fruit, talcum powder, and dried herbs with some flinty reduction also in evidence. The palate is lean and linear despite an alcohol of 14% – strikingly pure, currently very tightly wound, and absolutely bone-dry on the finish. Needs a good while in bottle before truly revealing its potential. Total production: 32 955 bottles and 138 magnums.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Mullineux Syrah 2018
Price: R370
Grapes from seven different vineyards, four on shale and schist, two on granite, and one on iron. 80% whole-bunch fermented. Red and blackberries, a hint of lavender, herbs, and white pepper on the nose. The palate is pure and fresh with fine tannins before a finish that is long and dry – alcohol is 13.5% and there is a finesse and clarity of fruit in this vintage that 2017 didn’t have. Total production: 28 440 bottles and 286 magnums.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Mullineux Straw Wine 2020
Price: R390 per 375ml bottle
100% Chenin Blanc. Grapes picked at normal ripeness of 23˚ Brix and then left to dry for two to four weeks. Orange, dried apricot, a subtle note of hay and nougat on the nose while the palate sees super-concentrated fruit matched by driving acidity before a dry finish. Despite a residual sugar of 362g/l, this wine is clean, crisp and beautifully balanced. With lovely shape and structure, this is something rather special. Total production: 7 276 bottles.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
Check out our South African wine ratings database.
Help us out. If you’d like to show a little love for independent media, we’d greatly appreciate it. To make a financial contribution, click here. Invoice available upon request – contact info@winemag.co.za
-
Share:
Matty Knight8 April 2021
R25 million turnover on these wines alone – not bad 🤔