'One of the most beautiful and complex terroirs in South Africa' – Tim Atkin

Dear *|FNAME|*,

Our sales team's recent visit to Sijnn was a revelation. Standing in the vineyards on the stony 'galets' soils and tasting the wines in situ is an experience like no other. These wines are utterly unique, with no reference points but themselves. The Sijnn Red 2018 is the star of this release! It defies categorisation and can only be from one place, Malgas. You have to marvel at the visionary courage David Trafford had to start this groundbreaking project. Winemaker Charla Haasbroek joined in 2014, and her team has produced a profound set of wines.

A vertical of various back-vintages of the Sijnn Red confirmed that these wines are age-worthy, transparent reflections of their extreme terroir. The Sijnn Red 2018 is a Syrah-led blend with Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela), Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre and Touriga Nacional. There is a wild, savoury intro, followed by local fynbos notes and bright red fruit, leading to an inviting palate of dense black fruit, chiselled tannins, and a lingering grip. A unicorn indeed.

Like the Red, Sijnn's Mediterranean white defies comparison. The 2020 is an opulent blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Verdelho that exudes stone fruit and lemon peel, finishing with a racy minerality and a saline cleansing palate. 'Individual & rather gorgeous', notes Platter's.

The Sijnn wines are grown in Malgas along the Breede River. Everything they do at Sijnn revolves around the unique location and terroir. They believe in natural farming and winemaking and focus their skills on blending Mediterranean-style varieties that are best suited to their climate.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Sijnn, Red 2018

'Distinctive shiraz-driven flagship with trincadeira (tinta amarela), cab, mourvèdre & touriga in 2018. Forest-floor fruit harmoniously melded with a fine texture & elegant vinosity in an ageworthy blend that's compelling & profound. Rich, dark & spicy, lifted by thrilling acid, firm tannin. 20% new oak, some Hungarian, 22 months.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (97/100)

'Made in the heat of the very dry 2018 vintage, this shows how well this remarkable, isolated site can cope with tough conditions. Syrah focused with 45% Tinta Amarela, Trincaderia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre and Touriga Nacional, it marries aromas of lavender and pine aromas, subtle wood, meaty tannins and flavours of bramble, blackberry and cassis. 2022-28' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, (95/100)

Sijnn, White 2020

'Individual & rather gorgeous, limpid gold 2020 is 78% chenin with dabs of roussanne, viognier & verdelho adding floral aromas & apricot notes. More savoury than fruity, richly textured, with a fine natural acid (no malo). Higher alcohol of 14.5% no detraction. Usual 10% new oak.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (94/100)

'This is the second vintage of the Sijnn white to include a little Verdelho, complementing the core of 78% Chenin Blanc and its Viognier and Roussanne partners. Zesty, focused and complex, it conveys some of the dryness and stony wildness of the site, with lots of structure and focus and notes of honeysuckle, peach and beeswax. 2022-28' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, (94/100)

What's new?