An intriguing blend of old bush vine chenin blanc that gives weight and vibrant acidity to the wine, with 16% old vine clairette that adds an aromatic lift and 8% younger viognier that has had a period of skin contact to add additional flavour complexity and palate weight. The wines rich texture is further enhanced by extended aging in old oak barrels on the lees. This wine has the body to be a superb accompaniment for barbecued or fried fish and white meats.
Grapes for the 2015 Mullineux Schist Syrah were from a single parcel of sustainably farmed 19-year-old vines planted in the stony Shale and Schist soils of the Mullineux farm, Roundstone, on the Kasteelberg. This parcel of Syrah gives the best expression of the schist terroir – density and structure. Whole bunches are put into open-top 500L French oak barrels and foot stomped to release some juice. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and left on the skins for four weeks, with pigeage once per day. The Syrah is aged twelve months in 500L French oak barrels, 25% new, and then an additional nine months in 2nd fill foudre. 10 months of aging in bottle before release. ABV 13.5%, pH 3.78. 434 cases produced.