Mullineux new releases

News from Swartland producers Andrea and Chris Mullineux is that they are now in the second of a three-year process to obtain regenerative organic certification.  They were showing new vintages of the Signature range of wines, tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Mullineux Old Vines White 2022
Price: R415
72.4% Chenin Blanc, 6.4% Semillon, 6.3% Clairette Blanche, 6.3% Grenache Blanc, 6.2% Viognier and 2.4% Verdelho. Matured for 11 months in older 500-litre barrels and one 2000-litre foudre.  Alc: 13.4%. The nose is still rather primary with top notes of floral perfume, hay, herbs and spice before white peach while the palate is pure and zesty with a pithy finish. That much lighter and more restrained than 2021. Total production: 32 160 bottles.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Mullineux Syrah 2020
Price: R445
90% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels, some 5 – 10% new before being transferred to 5 000-litre foudre for almost a year. Alc: 13.4%. The nose shows red and black berries overlain by violets, fynbos and white pepper.  pure fruit, snappy acidity and fine tannins. Great flavour intensity and drive, the finish long and savoury.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Mullineux Straw Wine 2022
Price: R648 per 375ml bottle
Grapes picked at normal ripeness and then left to dry outdoors for two to four weeks. Alc: 7%. Pale amber in colour. Citrus, dried apricots, straw, fynbos and rooibos tea on the nose. The palate is obviously rich but  in this vintage appears not unduly viscous or thick textured, bright acidity lending verve, the finish having a salty quality to it. Total production: 3 600 bottles.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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