Sijnn new releases

If you’re looking for wines that are off-centre, then Sijnn situated 250km east of Cape Town near Malgas on the Breede River delivers in spades. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Sijnn White 2021
Price: R350

81% Chenin Blanc, 8% Verdelho, 7% Viognier and 4% Roussanne. Fermented and matured for 10 months in 400- and 700-litre barrels, 10% new. Peach, cut-apple, olive brine, a slight nuttiness, yeasty complexity and spice on the nose. Rich and broad on the palate with tangy acidity and a gently grippy finish. Full of flavour but not for the uninitiated.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Sijnn Red 2019
Price: R450

31% Syrah, 24% Touriga Nacional, 21% Tinta Amarella, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon 17% and 7% Mourvèdre. Mostly 225-litre French oak barrels in the first year and mostly 700-litre in the second period of maturation, 20% new for 22 months. Red and black berries, dried flowers, herbs, cured meat, spice, a slight maltiness and earth on the nose. Dense fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine but not too fine tannins. Wild and deeply savoury, this is one of a kind.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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