2020 Mullineux Old Vine Series Granite Chenin Blanc

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is one of the stand-out producers in South Africa's budding Swartland region. Winemakers Chris and Andrea Mullineux's ambition is to bottle wines that are a true expression of the Swartland, and all steps of their winemaking process are taken with this in mind. They work closely with a select group of growers who follow sustainable, reasoned farming practices, as well as owning vineyards at their Roundstone Farm in Riebeeksrivier.

In the cellar, apart from minimal amounts of sulphur, nothing is added to or removed from the wine. They do not make use of any yeasts, acids, tannins, enzymes, or fining and filtering agents. Grapes for the Granite Chenin were sourced from a 45 year old sustainably and dry farmed bush vine vineyard named Eikelaan, planted in the decomposed Granite soils of the Paardeberg. This is the highest altitude Granite soil vineyard and with the very deep decomposed Granite soils tends to produce wines with great acidity and a flinty, stony aromatic profile.

Tasting Note: (from the producer)
The 2018 growing season was again very dry and yields were well below normal, resulting in wines with incredible texture, depth and concentration. The Granite soils retain some moisture deep down, and the vines use this to retain a freshness to balance the texture. The palate is tight, long, flinty with notes of grapefruit and cinnamon spiced apples. Ageing potential 10 – 20 years, this wine will show optimally if decanted when drunk within the first 3 years after bottling.