Scions of Sinai new releases

Bernhard Bredell of Scions of Sinai is quietly excited about his wines from the 2021 vintage on account of the ripening phase from December to February being dry but cool and therefore pretty much ideal. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Scions of Sinai Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R345

From Stellenbosch grapes. 50% left on the skins for 48 hours. The nose shows a little reduction before peach, naartjie and herbs while the palate shows great depth of fruit plus nicely integrated acidity, just the right amount of bitterness to the finish. Good detail and balance.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc 2021
Price: R300

From Klein Karoo grapes. Fragrant aromatics of pear, white peach, citrus, flowers, herbs and ginger while the palate is especially vivid – pure fruit and vibrant acidity before a salty finish. A wine of both elegance and charm.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Scions of Sinai Rocinante 2021
Price: R270

New. Named after Don Quixote’s horse, this is Bredell’s take on a Cape White Blend consisting of roughly a third each of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, the former from Stellenbosch and the latter two from Voor Paardeberg – all grapes picked on the same day and matured for nine months in old 400-litre barrels. The nose displays a waxy note before peach, apple and citrus plus earth and spice. The palate has good weight and a slightly oily texture before a gently savoury finish. Lots going on if somewhat bemusing.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Scions of Sinai Heldervallei Cinsault 2021
Price: R300

From Stellenbosch grapes. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Enticing aromatics of rosemary, blueberry and black cherry while the palate is medium bodied with good fruit definition, fresh acidity and tannins that are firm but fine. Nicely structured – tightly wound and not at all frivolous.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Scions of Sinai Féniks Pinotage 2021
Price: R325

From Stellenbosch grapes. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. Again, exceptionally fragrant with notes of floral perfume, cherries, plums, herbs and spice while the palate is light bodied with vibrant acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Proof that Pinotage can be pretty.

CE’s score: 93/100.

Scions of Sinai Swanesang Syrah 2021
Price: R345

Grapes from bush vines planted in the late 1990s. 80% whole-bunch fermentation. Haunting aromatics of red and black berries, lilies and fynbos, plus subtle notes of licorice, pepper and spice. The palate is medium bodied with concentrated fruit, lemon-like acidity and wonderfully fine-grained tannins, the finish super-dry. Once again, this wine impresses with how absolutely seamless it is.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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