We almost didn't want to choose a wine from Mullineux as it looks like you haven't tried to find alternatives, but the bottom line is these guys are the hottest ticket in South African winemaking right now. How this stunning, aromatic, wine derived from ancient vines can possibly hit this price is beyond us. But don't ask why: just celebrate it. Founded by Chris and Andrea Mullineux in 2007, this winery is now one of the most lauded in South Africa. Named ‘Winery of the Year’ an impressive four times over the last 6 years by the Platter Guide, Mullineux were also Tim Atkin MW’s ‘South African Winemakers of the Year’ in 2016. Their vineyards are located in the town of Riebeek-Kasteel, just west of Malmesbury in the Swartland. This area is renowned for its old vineyards, sitting on granite and schist soils. Thanks to this location and the outstanding quality of their fruit it is no surprise their wines are nothing short of exceptional. This wine is made from a blend of seven, sustainably farmed parcels from across the Swartland. Two are grown on the stony schist-based soils of the Kasteelberg: one parcel of 41 year old Chenin Blanc and a parcel of 11 year old Grenache Blanc. This soil lends a mineral freshness to the wine. Two parcels of 40-65 year old, dry land, bush vine Chenin Blanc, one parcel of 44 year old Clairette Blanche and a 60 year old heritage Semillon Gris vineyard are grown on the decomposed granite of the Paardeberg. The age of the vines, and the granite content in the soil, results in concentrated, complex wines with lifted acidity. The final parcel is 21 year old Viognier grown on the iron rich soils of the rolling hills west of Malmesbury. The 2019 vintage is a fragrant wine with a richly textured palate and has more than earned its spot in our collection.
