In Bond Fine Wine. 2019 Mullineux Granite Syrah, Coastal Region, South Africa. Red south africa-red in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (TA). Drinking window: 2022–2040. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Mullineux has become one of South Africa’s most acclaimed producers, helping to redefine the potential of the Swartland through a deep focus on terroir, old vines and minimal intervention winemaking. Founded by Chris Mullineux and Andrea Mullineux, the estate works with some of the Cape’s oldest sustainably farmed vineyards, producing wines of remarkable precision, texture and purity. Their extraordinary single-terroir Syrahs and Chenin Blancs showcase strikingly different expressions of the regions Granite, Schist and Iron soils. Alongside these flagship bottlings, the excellent value Old Vines White and Signature Syrah have become benchmarks for modern South African wine.
Anthony Mueller (AM) — 94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/12/2022 · Drink 2022 - 2038
Beginning with a floral lift, the 2019 Granite Syrah is gorgeous and sashays with aromas of red and black spice with juicy red fruit skin and dusty red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is refined with elements of violets, lilies and spiced red tea before displaying a mouthwatering mineral tension. The Granite Syrah continues to offer its secrets as it reveals layers of complexity upon t…
Neal Martin (NM) — 94/100 · Vinous, 01/11/2021 · Drink 2023 - 2040
The 2019 Syrah Granite is a step up from the Schist Syrah, delivering much more intensity on the nose, where clove and black pepper notes, animal fur and a touch of autumn bonfire infuse the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, good acidity, gentle grip, and fine depth toward the finish. Spicebox, white pepper and clove abound, showing very good persistency on the finish.…
Tim Atkin MW (TA) — 97/100 · 01/09/2021
This is (just) my pick of the trip in 2019' Ginger and violet aromas segue into a palate of remarkable grip and persistence, with energetic acidity and a savoury, satisfying finish.