Iron Kasteelsig Syrah 2021: ‘Immensely pleasing to drink’ – CE 96
Granite Jakkalsfontein Syrah 2021: ‘A precise wine with captivating tension’ – CE 97
Schist Roundstone Syrah 2021: ‘A wine of great sophistication’ – CE 98
Is it possible for the Mullineuxs to make better wines? The answer is yes. Since 2007, this powerhouse winemaking team have focused their Swartland efforts on Syrah and Chenin Blanc. The newly launched Mullineux Single Terroir Syrahs are from 2021 – possibly the best modern-day South African vintage – and they underline the world-class quality of SA Syrah.
If ever you need proof that one can improve on excellence, look no further than this team. The two standout varieties for SA continue to be Chenin Blanc and Syrah, with Tim Atkin MW dubbing the latter ‘the Cape’s most exciting red grape’.
The 2021 Schist Roundstone Syrah is from their shale and schist Kasteelberg vineyard. It’s an immense wine in 2021, still shy and youthful, offering layered fruit and a deeper, sophisticated tannin carriage. The 2021 Granite Jakkalsfontein Syrah is from a 20-plus-year-old parcel in the Paardeberg and is vibrant, with a complex nose and an array of mineral fynbos notes. It’s linear with fine, powdery tannins. The 2021 Iron Kasteelsig Syrah – from iron-rich, organically farmed Malmesbury vineyards – has a richer, meatier nose with floral complexity and a bergamot bite over silky, broad tannins.
What sets these apart is their transparent expression of terroir, each bottling showing a distinct tannin structure and character. This is an exceptional set of wines that raises the bar for Syrah in the Swartland.
2022 is an elegant and expressive vintage that shows off their winemaking skill – having coaxed two wonderful Chenins from a challenging vintage. The 2022 Granite Eikelaan Chenin Blanc is open with an array of orchard fruit, followed by a great balance of energy and textural grip. The 2022 Schist Roundstone Chenin Blanc is taut, mineral and delicate in nature, offering floral notes, juicy fruit and a long, grippy end with a dry bite to balance the delineated fruit. They are wines of great pedigree.
Chris and Andrea’s extensive knowledge of Swartland soils and growing winemaking prowess are unmistakable. These wines are produced in small quantities and only released if they meet their exacting standards.
