South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) | $441.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)"The hardest wine to make," says Andrea Mullineux of this Chenin Blanc from a nutrition-poor vineyard on the Kasteelbeg. But the effort is certainly worth it. Showing aromas of white flowers and gunflint, it has amazing focus, salinity and depth with linear acidity and notes of green apple, kitchen spices and umami. |
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Coastal Region | 4 | 95 (TA) | $521.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Generally shown first in a line-up of the Mullineux's three soil specific Syrahs, this is firm, dense and entirely whole bunch fermented with damson and blackberry fruit, sappy tannins, one-third new oak and notes of black tea, lavender and Mediterranean spices. Needs time. 2022-3 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) | $438.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)One of a trio of brilliant soil-based Syrahs from the Mullineux in 2018, Granite hails from a 30-year-old vineyard on the Paardeberg. Structured and grippy, it's a wine that will reward patience, with clove spice from 100% whole bunches, notes of blood orange and blackberry, fine oak and a tangy, refreshing finish. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) | $398.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)We wine geeks love to discuss the relative merits of the three soil-specific Syrahs from the Mullineux. This is (just) my pick of the trio in 2019, sourced from a two-hectare block on the Jakalsfontein farm. Ginger and violet aromas segue into a palate of remarkable grip and persistence, with energetic acidity and a savoury, satisfying finish. 2022-29 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) | $133.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Any new wine from Chris and Andrea Mullineux is worth seeking out, but that's especially true of this dense, ferrous, concentrated Chenin from red koffeeklip soils to the west of Malmesbury. Smoky, flinty, struck match aromas segue into a layered peach and waxed lemon palate with just a hint of oak. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) | $438.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Now that Porseleinberg has changed in style, the Mullineux's Iron Syrah can adopt the mantle of the Cornas taste alike of the Swartland. Tannic and intense, it's a wild, dense, blood and guts style wine with lots of whole bunch intensity and a ferrous finish. |
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