Mullineux Single Terroir new releases

The Single Terroir wines from Swartland producer Mullineux are now all designated as single vineyards, Chris Mullineux saying that he and wife Andrea are now so confident about the sites in question that they deserve their own recognition.

The three examples of Chenin Blanc are from the 2021 vintage, according to Chris the coolest they’ve ever experienced, facilitating slow ripening and hence natural fruit concentration, good acid retention and positive phenolics. The three Syrah, meanwhile, are from 2020 which was also cool allowing for “very even ripeness”.

While influence of terroir is palpable, consistency of quality across the range is remarkably high. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Mullineux Granite Eikelaan Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R630
More yellow fruit than might usually be expected off this terroir – citrus, yellow peach and spice on the nose while the palate shows good depth, well-integrated acidity and a savoury finish. With an alcohol of 13.5%, this is not without breadth and texture and has layers of flavour.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Mullineux Schist Roundstone Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R630
Some flinty reduction before pear, white peach and dried herbs on the nose. The palate has good concentration, zippy acidity and a finish that is pithy and slightly bitter in the best way. Really harmonious and focused. Alcohol: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Mullineux Iron Rondomskrik Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R630
Expressive aromatics of fynbos, potpourri and hay before citrus, peach and apple plus a little struck-match reduction. The palate is tight and detailed – dense fruit and bright acidity before a finish that’s long and dry. Alcohol: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Mullineux Granite Jakkalsfontein Syrah 2020
Price: R1 175
Arresting aromatics – some smoky reduction before lilies, lavender and fynbos, red and black berries as well as pepper. The palate has great fruit concentration, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Pure and focused with a long, super-dry finish. Alcohol: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Mullineux Schist Roundstone Syrah 2020
Price: R1 175
Red and black fruit, olive brine, Campari-like citrus and herbs plus white pepper. Rich and broad, the acidity still bright, the texture smooth. Layers of flavour. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Mullineux Iron Kasteelsig Syrah 2020
Price: R1 175
Flinty reduction before red and black berries, cured meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate is full but balanced – great depth of fruit, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. Rich and round upfront but ends dry and nicely grippy. Alcohol: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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