Mullineux new releases

The new vintages of the Signature range of wines from Swartland cellar Mullineux have been released and the Old Vines White 2021 and Syrah 2019 seem to have a particular gravitas about them, Chris Mullineux relating that wife and winemaker Andrea was “extra rigorous” in what components made the cut for each of these wines. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Mullineux Old Vines White 2021
Price: R350
62% Chenin Blanc, 10% Clairette Blanche, 9% Viognier, 7% Grenache Blanc, 6% Verdelho and 6% Semillon. The aromatics are complex and expressive with a hint of smoky reduction preceding white and yellow fruit, flowers and spice. The palate has lovely weight and texture – some might call this opulent but there’s also a great line of acidity and it’s a wonderfully balanced, seamless wine. Layers of flavour and great length. Total production: 25 041 bottles and 96 magnums.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Buy from Dry Dock

Mullineux Syrah 2019
Price: R375
80% whole-bunch fermentation. Again, very forthcoming on the nose with notes of red and black berries, floral perfume, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is medium bodied (alcohol: 13.5%) yet full of dense fruit and tightly packed tannins – pure and fresh with a real crunch to it, this should mature very well over the next five to 10 years. Total production: 23 388 bottles and 167 magnums.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Buy from Dry Dock

Mullineux Straw Wine 2021
Price: R535 per 375ml bottle
Grapes picked at normal ripeness and then left to dry outdoors for two to four weeks. The nose shows peach, apricot with a hay-like note in the background. The palate makes a big impression with extraordinary fruit concentration and massive acidity. The fruit is clean and pure, the texture viscous, the flavours intense. A polished wine as you’d expect from this producer. Total production: 7 650 bottles.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Buy from Dry Dock

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