Rockstar winemakers Chris and Andrea Mullineux need no introduction, and their brilliant Signature range continues to show their excellence and their love for the Swartland region.
The 95-pt 2022 Syrah is banging. It’s an ‘outstanding expression of Swartland’, says Platter’s Guide – think black jacks, olive tapenade, plum skin, busted lip and salty liquorice. With 90% whole bunch, this wine is packed with flavour and freshness – ‘a Cape Crozes-Hermitage’, notes Tim Atkin.
The 95-pt 2024 Old Vines White is an impressive blend from vineyards only planted to granite soils. You could get lost in the aromatics alone. If you love notes of jasmine, earl grey tea, poached pear and cling peaches, this in the one for you. ‘Full of flavour with great texture’, agrees Eedes. Keep it for a year at least before drinking it by the bottle.
Mullineux’s rare 96-pt Straw wine is also 100% from granite soils in 2024. I really can’t get enough of this wine. It’s fresh, clean and beautifully floral. There are notes of baking spices that mix with the florals and it’s just so comforting. The finish is dry and chalky, just the way I like it to ensure I finish a bottle with ease.
For pricing and availability, please email lauren@winecellar.co.za
Tasting Notes:
Mullineux Syrah 2022
‘Outstanding expression of Swartland, using fruit from best parcels owned or viticulturally controlled by Mullineuxs on key soil types. Similar regime to single-terroir syrahs: 90% bunch pressed, 11 months in 500L barrel, 20% new, then year 2,000 & 5, 000 L foudre. Aiming for length & freshness from granite, structure from schist, spice & vibrancy from quartz, voluptuousness from iron. Achieves all that, plus violet fragrance from the grape, creamy vanilla & savoury herbs ex the oak.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5* (95/100)
‘If the Mullineux’ terroir-focused Syrahs have maxed out your credit card, why not treat yourself to a bottle of this “regular” release instead. Sourced from the Swartland’s three main soil types, this has lovely fynbos and clove aromas, some stemmy notes from 80% whole bunches, blackberry, cooked meat and tapenade flavours and impressive depth and density. A Cape Crozes-Hermitage. 2025-30′ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 94/100
Mullineux Old Vines White 2024
‘68% Chenin Blanc 14% Clairette Blanche, 6% Semillon, 6% Viognier, 6% Grenache Blanc. The aromatics are expressive and compelling, with notes of pear, peach, citrus, fynbos, and earth. The palate reveals a dense core of fruit, balanced by zippy acidity, leading to a long, dry finish. Full of flavour with great texture—not greasy, but subtly grippy. Alc: 13.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Mullineux Straw Wine 2024
‘From Paardeberg Chenin Blanc that is air-dried for three to four weeks. Citrus, dried peach and apricot, pineapple and honey plus a pleasing herbal note adding lift and intrigue. The palate is super-concentrated with big acidity. Wonderfully harmonious with good fruit definition and plenty of verve, the finish long and savoury – a vintage that exudes greater energy than usual, while maintaining its signature intensity. Alc: 7.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
