2019 Mullineux Schist Syrah, 3x1.5ltr
Founded by Chris and Andrea Mullineux in 2007, Mullineux is one of the most lauded wineries in South Africa, having been named ‘Winery of the Year’ five times by the Platter Guide (in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2023). Chris and Andrea chose the town of Riebeek-Kasteel, just west of Malmesbury in the Swartland, due to its old vineyards planted on granite and schist soils. They reasoned that, with such quality fruit, they could make outstanding wines. It is an understatement to say they have been proved right.
Vegan / Vegetarian
Alcohol: 13.5%
Vegan / Vegetarian
Alcohol: 13.5%
Availability: In stock
Case size: 3 / Bottle size: 1.5l
Duty Status
From £335.00
Vintage:
The 2019 vintage was dominated by very dry conditions in the Swartland, with average yields reduced by 30% and less than 300mm rainfall. The lower yields resulted in significantly smaller grape bunches and berries, leading to wines with higher than normal extract and concentration levels. However, they produced higher acidities and more elegant fruit purity than preceding vintages.
Vineyards:
Fruit for this Syrah comes from a parcel of sustainably-farmed vines planted on the stony shale and schist-based soils of Mullineux's farm, Roundstone, on the Kasteelberg. The soils are rocky and well-drained, producing vines with smaller and more open canopies, naturally small bunches and thick-skinned berries. This parcel of Syrah gives the best expression of the Kasteelberg soil's density with structured tannins and a darker fruit profile. The vines are 22 years old on average.
Vinification:
Grapes were first chilled in Mullineux's cold room. The whole bunches were then put into open top, 500 litre French oak barrels and crushed by foot to release some juice. Minimal SO2 was added and, as with all their wines, no further additions were made. After about four days, fermentation began with indigenous yeasts and lasted about 10 days. The cap was manually punched down once a day before, during and after fermentation. Following a further four weeks of skin contact, the wine was drained and pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. The wine spent 12 months ageing in 500 litre French oak barrels (25% new), followed by nine months in second fill Foudre. After a total of 21 months in barrel, it was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
The 2019 vintage was dominated by very dry conditions in the Swartland, with average yields reduced by 30% and less than 300mm rainfall. The lower yields resulted in significantly smaller grape bunches and berries, leading to wines with higher than normal extract and concentration levels. However, they produced higher acidities and more elegant fruit purity than preceding vintages.
Vineyards:
Fruit for this Syrah comes from a parcel of sustainably-farmed vines planted on the stony shale and schist-based soils of Mullineux's farm, Roundstone, on the Kasteelberg. The soils are rocky and well-drained, producing vines with smaller and more open canopies, naturally small bunches and thick-skinned berries. This parcel of Syrah gives the best expression of the Kasteelberg soil's density with structured tannins and a darker fruit profile. The vines are 22 years old on average.
Vinification:
Grapes were first chilled in Mullineux's cold room. The whole bunches were then put into open top, 500 litre French oak barrels and crushed by foot to release some juice. Minimal SO2 was added and, as with all their wines, no further additions were made. After about four days, fermentation began with indigenous yeasts and lasted about 10 days. The cap was manually punched down once a day before, during and after fermentation. Following a further four weeks of skin contact, the wine was drained and pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. The wine spent 12 months ageing in 500 litre French oak barrels (25% new), followed by nine months in second fill Foudre. After a total of 21 months in barrel, it was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
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