Sijnn new releases

Most of us want to belong some sort of greater whole and Sijnn is ostensibly part of the Agulhas Wine Triangle but really this isolated property in the Malgas ward near the mouth of the Breede River is sui generis and its wines from the rock-strewn vineyards are, in turn, quite particular. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Sijnn White 2019
Price: R315

84% Chenin Blanc, 14% Viognier and the remainder Roussanne and Verdelho. Fermented and matured for 10 months in 400- and 700-litre barrels, 10% new. A hint of jasmine before yellow peach, orange, ginger and other spice as well as some leesy complexity on the nose. Rich and flavourful with tangy acidity and a salty finish – lightly grippy thanks to a little slight skin contact.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Sijnn Red 2017
Price: R410

67% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, 11% Touriga Nacional and 8% Trincadeira. Matured for 22 months – mostly 225-litre barrels in the first year and mostly 700-litre barrels in the second, around 20% new. Aromatics of black berries, olive and spice plus slight earthy, malty notes. Rich, broad and flavourful – seems to have entered a transitional phase with the tannins having started to mellow. There’s tangy acidity and the finish is nicely savoury, however, suggesting that this has a long life ahead of it – see note for the 2009 below.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Sijnn Red 2009
Price: R390

Re-release. 46% Syrah, 29% Mourvèdre, 13% Touriga Nacional, 6% Trincadeira and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. A wonderfully complex nose with notes of red and black berries, potpourri, herbs, liquorice, spice and earth. The palate is very much intact with pure fruit, bright acidity and a finish that is long and dry. Layers of flavour and immensely satisfying to drink.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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