Mullineux Granite Syrah 2017

In 2007, after learning the ropes in some of the world's most iconic wine regions, Chris and Andrea Mullineux set up what is now indisputably one of the greatest of all South African wine estates. Mullineux has won accolade after accolade for its wines, especially those from the Single Terroir series, which are lavished with unbelievable care to create the truest expression of the Swartland vineyards they originate from.

The 'Granite' Syrah is the most perfumed and elegant of their Single Terroir Syrahs - it does not suffer by comparison to the most aromatic wines of Hermitage. Sustainably grown in a small parcel of (you guessed it) granite soils, the grapes were cooled then placed as whole bunches in 500L French oak barrels. They were crushed under foot to caress the juice from the berries, then left to ferment with indigenous yeasts, followed by a further month or so macerating on their skins.

Maturation took place in large oak barrels for a total of 21 months, giving the wine time to settle before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, then aged under cork for nine months. Minimal SO2 was used throughout.

The resulting wine is an ode to Northern Rhône elegance. It's floral and spicy on the nose, with fresh cranberry notes that open up into succulent berries, herbs and black pepper spice in the mouth. The structure is tight and fresh; the texture dreamily silky.