2014 Mullineux Granite Syrah
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Smooth and polished with lovely smooth texture and ripe fruit plus a fresh finish. Still more to give. Rich start and dry finish with good persistence. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby-red. A bit less perfumed on the nose than the Schist, but still with lovely violet lift to the crushed stone and blackberry aromas. A step up in sweetness and pliancy, offering almost surprising early appeal. Really explodes with aeration, taking on a savory mineral complexity and finishing with sweet tannins and palate-staining dark berry and spice flavors. Wonderfully pure, pristine wine with terrific length. The granitic notes of peppery, smoky minerality and spices reminded me of Hermitage.
The 2014 Granite Syrah comes from two vineyards in the Paardeberg. It has a very composed bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry and perhaps it is a subconsciously induced reading, but warm granite aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, quite a feminine, supple Syrah that is very well balanced. There are layers of red cherry, strawberry and bergamot scents with a judicious pinch of white pepper that enlivens that finish. This is a very nuanced, terroir-driven Syrah that should give 12-15 years of pleasure.
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.