Mullineux Schist Syrah Roundstone 2018 Bottle size: 750ml

'A wonderfully complex nose of red and black berries, olive, lavender, fynbos and spice. The palate is extraordinarily vivid with great fruit definition, bright acidity and fine tannins. It’s a very direct, complete wine that should age well over many years.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100

'While the Mullineux’s are adamant that the Schist Syrah is always one of the most structured wines out of their single terroir reds range, the density and structure always seems to translate into extreme finesse, plush concentration and a seductive elegance, making this one of the most sought after cuvees by the “man in the street.” But like all great fine wines, when supreme quality is present, these wines can be drunk literally from the barrel with equal pleasure offered in youth as with bottle age. The 2018 Schist continues the vintage theme of mid-palate concentration and fruit density with an incredibly rich, plummy, fragrant aromatics laced with lavender and incense, savoury barbequed meats, charcoal embers, olive tapenade and earthy blackberry fruits. The palate is cool and velvety with a massive mouth coating concentration of red and black berry fruits, powdery dry tannins and all the depth and breath you’d expect from a wine of this pedigree. Decant and drink this beauty on release or bury away in your cellar for a good 10 to 15 years. (5,340 bottles produced.)' – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100

'My pick of the three top Mullineux Syrahs in 2018, this world-class red is the most perfumed and alluring of the trio right now. Combining fruit from the Kasteelberg and Roundstone, this has violet and lavender aromas, some sap and grip from 100% whole bunches, incredible focus and grip and a plush, seductive mid palate. 2023-32.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 97/100

'From home-farm vines, soil deeper, denser, little water-holding capacity, vines & bunches smaller. Exquisite dryness, as on all these. 2018 fynbos florality, concentrated dark fruits & dense, finely woven tannins, effortless purity & length.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (96/100)

'The 2018 Syrah Schist was matured identically to the Granite Syrah. It is more open on the nose, with a greater proportion of red fruit compared to the 2018 Granite, raspberry and wild strawberry commingling with briar, white pepper, wild fennel and light Provençal herb aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, cohesive and finely chiseled, and the finish shows more precision and nuance than the Granite. Chris and Andrea Mullineux told me that this was their favorite Syrah in 2018. Mine too. Drink 2024-2042.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Apr 2021)

'2018 was the 3rd vintage of the Great Drought in the Cape and yields were again lower (~25%) than normal. However, by improving soil health with cover crops and mulch and by reducing crops early, the resulting wines have lovely concentration but also wonderful freshness. The SCHIST is always the most structured Syrah in our Single Terroir range with great length and longevity. Ageing potential 15 – 25 years. Decanting recommended when opened young.' – Mullineux