Scions of Sinai Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2017
By Christian Eedes, 12 June 2018
Scions of Sinai is Bernhard Bredell’s way of honouring his family’s farming heritage – he grew up on Helderzicht farm in the lower Heldeberg where his father Anton became particularly renowned for high-quality Port-style wines. Unfortunately, the farm was later sold and Bredell now dedicates himself to making wines from old vines which surround Sinai Hill, a landmark in the area.
Scions of Sinai Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2017
Approximate retail price: R305
From vineyards approximately 50 years old. Vinification involved five days of pre-ferment skin contact before fermentation and maturation lasting nine months in old barrels. Almost luminous yellow in colour. A very expressive nose of peach, apricot, baked apple, pineapple, honeycomb and earth while the palate is super-concentrated with tangy acidity and savoury, slightly grippy finish. Alcohol: 13%.
Editor’s rating: 93/100.
Scions of Sinai Swanesang Syrah 2017
Approximate retail price: R305
The last vintage from a vineyard “quite mature for SA Syrah”, this subsequently uprooted. Partial whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in old French oak barrels. An appealing nose of red and black fruit, lavender, fynbos, earth, pepper and spice. The palate shows juicy fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins – relatively dense and really tasty given an alcohol of just 12.5%.
Editor’s rating: 91/100.
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