Dear *|FNAME|*,

Wine Cellar has been following Bernard Bredell’s progress for quite some time. His aesthetic is one of refinement, elegance, and transparency of place, and his new releases emphatically deliver on these ambitions. In 2021 the stars aligned and, if you have been a fan, you are in for a treat – Scions of Sinai’s 2021s are exceptional!

Bernard’s focus on the vineyards and deep respect for the land are evident, with finely laced structures forming the backbone of these intricate wines. Super limited and well worth seeking out.

The brilliant Swanesang Syrah 2021 and the delicate Féniks Pinotage 2021 are pure expressions of maritime-influenced vineyards. These single vineyards are literally about 4km away from the ocean – a Stellenbosch scarcity. The Heldervallei Cinsault 2021 is again enticingly delicate, yet 'not at all frivolous', says Christian Eedes. All three reds are distinguished by fine tannins, natural acid support, and sophisticated, backward fruit.

The Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2021 is an absolute delight. Shy slate and hints of citrus introduce a wine of immense detail and finery. His deft touch is also seen in the quietly exotic Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc 2021, from a Karoo vineyard at 450m above sea level. This wine ripened perfectly in 2021, with ginger, lemon peel, fynbos, and a salty, linear finish.

A newcomer to the range is the three-way blend of old-vine Chenin Blanc, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc: Rocinante 2021. Bernard described it as a co-picked Cape White off granite soils. There is a bit more weight and fleshy fruit, leading to a medium-bodied finish.

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Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Scions of Sinai, Swanesang Syrah 2021

'Grapes from bush vines planted in the late 1990s. 80% whole-bunch fermentation. Haunting aromatics of red and black berries, lilies and fynbos, plus subtle notes of licorice, pepper and spice. The palate is medium bodied with concentrated fruit, lemon-like acidity and wonderfully fine-grained tannins, the finish super-dry. Once again, this wine impresses with how absolutely seamless it is.' – Christian Eedes, 96/100

Scions of Sinai, Féniks Pinotage 2021

'From Stellenbosch grapes. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. Again, exceptionally fragrant with notes of floral perfume, cherries, plums, herbs and spice while the palate is light bodied with vibrant acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Proof that Pinotage can be pretty.' – Christian Eedes, 93/100

Scions of Sinai, Heldervallei Cinsault 2021

'From Stellenbosch grapes. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Enticing aromatics of rosemary, blueberry and black cherry while the palate is medium bodied with good fruit definition, fresh acidity and tannins that are firm but fine. Nicely structured – tightly wound and not at all frivolous.' – Christian Eedes, 93/100

Scions of Sinai, Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2021

'From Stellenbosch grapes. 50% left on the skins for 48 hours. The nose shows a little reduction before peach, naartjie and herbs while the palate shows great depth of fruit plus nicely integrated acidity, just the right amount of bitterness to the finish. Good detail and balance.' – Christian Eedes, 94/100

Scions of Sinai, Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc 2021

'From Klein Karoo grapes. Fragrant aromatics of pear, white peach, citrus, flowers, herbs and ginger while the palate is especially vivid – pure fruit and vibrant acidity before a salty finish. A wine of both elegance and charm.' – Christian Eedes, 95/100

Scions of Sinai, Rocinante 2021

'New. Named after Don Quixote’s horse, this is Bredell’s take on a Cape White Blend consisting of roughly a third each of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, the former from Stellenbosch and the latter two from Voor Paardeberg – all grapes picked on the same day and matured for nine months in old 400-litre barrels. The nose displays a waxy note before peach, apple and citrus plus earth and spice. The palate has good weight and a slightly oily texture before a gently savoury finish. Lots going on if somewhat bemusing.' – Christian Eedes, 92/100

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