Mullineux Roundstone Estate maiden releases

Andrea and Chris Mullineux acquired their Kasteelberg property, Roundstone, in 2018. Today, some 37ha of vineyard are established on predominantly schist but also quartz soils, the vines either untrellised or trained stok-by-paaltjie. The newly released Roundstone estate wines represent, in Andrea’s words, “the ultimate expression of the site in its entirety.”

Roundstone Blanc 2023
Price: R1,950 per three-bottle pack

A blend of 23% Macabeu, 23% Verdelho, 17% Chenin Blanc, 15% Assyrtiko, 15% Roussanne and 7% Vermentino. Matured for 11 months in 225-litre barrels. Infinitely complex aromatics of peach, citrus, herbs, fynbos, potpourri, hay and spice. The palate is super-concentrated with layers and layers of flavour, a bright seam of acidity lending direction, the finish long, dry and grippy. For all its diverse components, the wine comes to a point, narrowing and focusing beautifully as it moves through the mouth. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 98/100.

Roundstone 2023
Price: R1,950 per three-bottle pack

A blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Cinsault and 25% Grenache, the Syrah entirely whole-bunch fermented, the other two 40%. Maturation lasted 12 months in 500-litre barrels followed by a further 12 months in concrete egg.

Pretty aromatics of red berries, orange zest, floral perfume, fynbos and white pepper. The palate shows purity and verve, the tannins fine and powdery, the finish gently savoury. Poised and intricate, a wine of understatement. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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