Mullineux new releases

The new Signature wines from Swartland producers Chris and Andrea Mullineux are due to be released in February, the white blend and sweet wine from 2023 and the Syrah from 2021. Chris Mullineux of the eponymous label describes 2023 as “typical” of the district in the sense of being dry. There was rain in December, however, which meant canopies maintained their leaves and “grapes were growing in the shade of their own leaves” to quote his wife and winemaking partner, Andrea – they generally are quite bullish about the resulting wines. 2021, meanwhile, was famously a very cool vintage and wines from this year typically have excellent structure.

Mullineux Old Vine White 2023
Price: R420
60% Chenin Blanc, 15% Semillon, 13% Clairette Blanche, 7% Grenache Blanc, 5% Viognier and 3% Verdelho. Matured for 11 months in a combination of older barrels and foudre. Citrus, peach, herbs, ginger anda little waxy character on the nose. This vintage is substantial but completely harmonious – excellent fruit density, brisk acidity and a dry finish. Alcohol is 14% and the wine has good texture and weight.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Mullineux Syrah 2021
Price: R420
90% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels, before being transferred to 5 000-litre foudre for another 12 months. Red and black berries, olive, fynbos, cured meat and white pepper on the nose while the palate is pure and poised – lovely clarity of fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and savoury. A seamless wine that carries its alcohol of 14% extremely well.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Mullineux Straw Wine 2023
Price: R670 per 357ml bottle
Grapes from two Paardeberg blocks that have the appropriate bunch structure to dry successfully and provide enough acidity. Left to dry outdoors before going to barrel for 12 months (fermentation takes 10 months to complete). Pronounced notes of straw and fynbos plus peach, apricot and quince. The palate is unctuous – very dense fruit and well-integrated acidity before a savoury finish. Makes a huge impression. Alcohol is 7.5% and RS is 336 g/l.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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