Scions of Sinai new releases

Bernhard Bredell is making some compelling wines under his Scions of Sinai label, tasting notes and ratings for the latest to hit the market as follows:

Scions of Sinai Señor Tallos 2019
Approximate retail price: R215
60% Helderberg Chenin Blanc, 40% Klein Karoo Grenache Blanc. 25 days on the skins, one third aged under flor. A floral top note before citrus and stone fruit plus ginger on the nose while the palate shows lovely fruit expression, moderate acidity and just a touch of phenolic grip. Thirst-quenching and delicious.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Scions of Sinai Nomadis 2019
Approximate retail price: R215
95% Cinsault, 5% Pinotage. Plums and cherries on the nose while the palate is very light (alcohol: 11.5%) and fresh with a particularly savoury finish without being austere or astringent.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

Small volume.

Scions of Sinai Swanesang Syrah 2018
Approximate retail price: R305
The vineyard that produced the 2017 vintage was uprooted and Bredell has opted to retain the name as a way of paying homage, grapes for the 2018 sourced from a 1996 vineyard “just above Cordoba” in Stellenbosch. Partial whole-bunch fermentation before maturation in old oak. Red and black fruit, some floral perfume, herbs, spice and white pepper on the nose while the palate features pure fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. Great focus and length, this is a wine of some elegance. Total production: 870 bottles.

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

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