Mullineux Schist Syrah 2016

Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving.

Mullineux was founded by husband-and-wife team Andrea and Chris Mullineux in 2007 after the pair had spent numerous vintages working at wineries in France, California and South Africa. The couple recognised the exceptional potential of the Swartland region and have partnered with local growers to source top quality fruit as well as growing their own at Roundstone Farm in Riebeeksrivier.

This opulent Syrah is produced in tiny quantities from a single parcel of 21 year old vines on the couple’s farm near the iconic Kasteelberg mountain. The soils here are stony shale and schist which helps to produce a well-structured yet refined Syrah with ample fruit character. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months followed by another 9 months in larger oak foudres. It is finally released after another 9 months of bottle ageing.

The nose is bursting with freshly-cracked black pepper, luscious dark berries and hints of cinnamon spice and woodsmoke. On the palate there’s a generous full body, savoury flavours of smoked meat and leather, smooth tannins, and a long finish with lingering notes of ripe black fruit. Cellar for a few more years if you have the patience, or enjoy now with hearty meat dishes like beef stews, a ribeye steak, or barbecued ribs.