Mullineux new releases

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux made their first Swartland wines in 2008 and have since become among South Africa’s most acclaimed producers. Below are the tasting notes and ratings for their upcoming release of signature wines:

Old Vines White 2024
Price: R465
68% Chenin Blanc 14% Clairette Blanche, 6% Semillon, 6% Viognier, 6% Grenache Blanc. The aromatics are expressive and compelling, with notes of pear, peach, citrus, fynbos, and earth. The palate reveals a dense core of fruit, balanced by zippy acidity, leading to a long, dry finish. Full of flavour with great texture—not greasy, but subtly grippy. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Syrah 2022
Price: R465
80% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels before spending another 12 months in 2,000-litre foudre. A subtle reductive note precedes aromas of red and black berries, olive, baking spice, and pepper. The palate offers succulent fruit, fresh acidity, and powdery tannins – greater breadth than the outstanding 2021 vintage. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Straw Wine 2024
Price: R720 per 375ml bottle
From Paardeberg Chenin Blanc that is air-dried for three to four weeks. Citrus, dried peach and apricot, pineapple and honey plus a pleasing herbal note adding lift and intrigue. The palate is super-concentrated with big acidity. Wonderfully harmonious with good fruit definition and plenty of verve, the finish long and savoury – a vintage that exudes greater energy than usual, while maintaining its signature intensity. Alc: 7.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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