2010 Mullineux Syrah Collection (3 Granite, 3 Schist)
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Tasting notes
Good dark red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, crushed stone, spices and herbs; I would have picked this blind as a northern Rhone syrah from granitic soil. Silky, sweet and perfumed on the palate, with subtly complex flavors of strawberry, blueberry, pepper and stone. Builds slowly and lingers long on the aromatic back end, which features very fine-grained tannins. I suspect this wonderfully subtle syrah will show more opulence with a few years in the cellar. By the way, this was the Platter Guide's (South Africa's leading wine guide) red wine of the year.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
100% Syrah. Winemaker: Andrea Mullineux, age 33. A tantalising wine on the nose – not giving much away but suggesting a good deal. Light notes of dark fruit and liquorice. Then on the palate, that coal-like dark texture that I associate with vines on granite, giving a dry finesse and fresh length. So refined – tannins are fine but slide over the palate. All so restrained and elegant. Definitely northern Rhône in style. GV (JH)
82% Chenin, plus Clairette and Viognier. Fine creamy, mealy aroma with a touch of orange. Exudes class. More cedary on the palate. Great depth and concentration and length. Great food wine because the fruit is secondary to the texture and savoury/mineral character. Long, creamy but fresh finish. (JH)
Dark crimson. Liquorice, tar, freshness and life on the nose. If given it blind, might I mistake it for a tender Barolo? On the nose possibly but it is much sweeter and softer on the palate. Lots of life here. Racy finish. Reverberant. Some palates may reject this as being too sweet...? But there is great integrity here. Tobacco leaves on the finish. Very long and flattering. Maybe the oak handling could be a mite gentler? Or do we just need to decant? See this backgrounder . GV (JR)
About the producer
Chris and Andrea Mullineux were at the forefront of South Africa’s new-wave movement and are now one of the country’s most established names. Alongside the Swartland project that made their name, they make wines in Franschhoek under the Leeu Passant name – a tribute to South Africa’s vinous past.