After working several vintages at wineries in France, South Africa and California, Chris and Andrea established Mullineux Family Wines on Roundstone Farm in 2007. Their winery quickly established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands. By 2019 they had received 25 five-star ratings from Platter’s South African Wine Guide. In addition, Andrea – who hails from San Francisco – was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 International Winemaker of the Year. In 2017, Chris and Andrea were British Master of Wine Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year.
Mullineux Family Wines has four syrahs in its line-up, three of which are site-specific. The Mullineux Syrah 2015 is the product of seven vineyard parcels planted in a combination of shale and schist-based soils, dryland decomposed granite soil, and iron-rich soil, all from the Swartland area.
I recently enjoyed a bottle of this wine over dinner, and it certainly contributed to a memorable evening. The wine has a perfumed, spicy and slightly menthol bouquet that is nicely defined and offers ample red and black berry fruit. The red fruit flavours repeat on the palate, and true to Swartland syrah style, white pepper adds to the flavour spectrum.
The beauty of this wine is unquestionably its elegance, yet the fine tannins add to the structure. It has a silky texture, and the fresh natural acidity fills the mid-palate and completes a well-rounded taste sensation. This is a perfect example of a great wine that offers finesse and balance, while remaining true to its roots.
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