Scions of Sinai new releases

Bernhard Bredell of Scions of Sinai says 2022 was generally characterised by cool and dry conditions but the inevitable heatwaves arrived in early February – more leaves from good early growth provided the necessary shading but acidities on the resulting wines are generally “softer and gentler” than was the case in 2021. This lends them an accessibility that should ensure wide appeal. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Scions of Sinai Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R440
Grapes from a lower Helderberg vineyard planted in 1978. Expressive and exotic aromatics – a top note of jasmine before naartjie, yellow peach and mango. The palate has good fruit concentration and flavour intensity with moderate acidity and a pleasantly bitter finish – this has a succulence, even an opulence about it despite a modest alcohol of 12.35%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from a Klein Karoo site with schist and shale soils 450m above sea level. This vintage is quite neutral, characterised more by its acidity and texture than intensity of aroma or flavour. A hint of flinty reduction before hints of pear, peach, talcum powder and floral perfume while the palate is light, fresh and pithy. Alc: 12.43%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Scions of Sinai Rocinante 2022
Price: R300
Roughly equal parts 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. Top notes of potpourri and herbs before citrus, peach and a little bee’s wax. Good depth of fruit, punchy acidity and an intensely savoury finish. Nicely textured with layers of flavour, this has plenty of interest. Alc: 12.71%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Scions of Sinai Heldervallei Cinsault 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from a Helderberg vineyard planted in 1988. Partial whole-bunch fermentation. Abundantly perfumed nose with notes of black cherry, herbs and rose plus some earthiness while the palate has a dense core of fruit, bright acidity and firm but not astringent tannins. This has plenty of verve and ends wonderfully dry. Alc: 12.94%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Scions of Sinai Féniks Pinotage 2022
Price: R365
From a Helderberg vineyard planted in 1976. Partial wholebunch fermentation (slightly less than 2021). Heady aromatics of cherry, plum, fynbos and floral perfume on the nose before a palate that has profuse fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. Juicy and vibrant on entry but ends dry. Alc: 12.7%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Scions of Sinai Swanesang Syrah 2022
Price: R440
Grapes from a Helderberg bushvine vineyard planted in 1999 by Bredell’s grandfather. 90% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 11 months, 90% in concrete and 10% in older 400-litre barrels. Quite pronounced tar-like reduction on the nose before red and blackberries, violets and pepper. The palate has excellent fruit purity, lively acidity and powdery tannins. Direct without being too linear, refined and harmonious. But for that reduction, this might have rated even higher…

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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