Red Wine Mullineux Schist Syrah 2016. Decant 1 hour before serving. Mullineux was founded by husband-and-wife team Andrea and Chris Mullineux in 2007 after the pair had spent numerous vintages working at wineries in France, California and South Africa. The couple recognised the exceptional potential of the Swartland region and have partnered with local growers to source top quality fruit as well as growing their own at Roundstone Farm in Riebeeksrivier. This opulent Syrah is produced in tiny quantities from a single parcel of 21 year old vines on the couple’s farm near the iconic Kasteelberg mountain. The soils here are stony shale and schist which helps to produce a well-structured yet refined Syrah with ample fruit character. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months followed by another 9 months in larger oak foudres. It is finally released after another 9 months of bottle ageing. The nose is bursting with freshly-cracked black pepper, luscious dark berries and hints of cinnamon spice and woodsmoke. On the palate there’s a generous full body, savoury flavours of smoked meat and leather, smooth tannins, and a long finish with lingering notes of ripe black fruit. Cellar for a few more years if you have the patience, or enjoy now with hearty meat dishes like beef stews, a ribeye steak, or barbecued ribs.
2016
Red Wine Mullineux Schist Syrah 2016
Red Wine Murphy Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel 2016. Can benefit from brief decanting. Light garnet red in colour with translucent hues. Inviting nose with intriguing balsamic notes, raspberry, black pepper and subtle aromas of gingerbread. Flavours of black raspberry, savory spice and lots of sweet, ripe cherry are underscored by delicate hints of vanilla, toasted spice and cinnamon. Very jammy and fruity, this wine offers pure delight with its well-structured, juicy tannins delivering a refreshing, rounded experience with just the right amount of sweetness. Structured to pack a punch with its density of concentration and focus, but soft enough for everyone around the table to want a second glass. Cultivated from some of the finest Zinfandel grapes in the region, the old vines from Ellis Ranch also provide a richness to the blend and there is a plummy core which leads smoothly toward a long, enticing finish that leave a lasting, aromatic hint of fresh black tea and redcurrants. This luscious wine is as vibrant as its namesake vinters. This is a ripe and fruity, well-crafted wine that is known to be a crowd pleaser. Aged for 16 months in 78% French oak and 22% American oak of which 52% is new oak barriques. Enjoy with slow-cooked pork back ribs or other BBQed meats rather than as an aperitif or over dessert. Its spicy finish lends better with rich foods than as a sipping wine. You can certainly taste the California desert with every taste. But as rich and succulent as this wine may be, be prepared to sit back, relax and enjoy–this is not an only-one-glass type of wine.
2016
Red Wine Nicolas Jay Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016. This youthful Oregon winery is a collaboration between renowned winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo of Burgundy’s Domaine Méo-Camuzet and American music producer Jay Boberg. Although only founded in 2013, the estate has quickly earned a reputation for top quality Pinot and is regarded as one of the Willamette Valley’s most exciting producers. Fruit is sourced from their own vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA as well as selected partner growers. Their classic Willamette Pinot is made in a Burgundian style with plenty of vibrant New World fruit character. In the winery Jean-Nicolas adopts a light touch, allowing the fruit to ferment with wild yeasts and ageing the young wine in 30% new oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. Delicate aromatic notes of cherry jam, sweet spice, and undergrowth dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a medium body, silky smooth tannins, and a solid core of bright red fruit. The finish is long and elegant, with plenty of mouthwatering freshness and hints of cinnamon, clove and toasted oak from the barrel ageing. The Burgundian-style profile makes this a great wine to pair with dishes like roast duck or earthy game like guinea fowl or pheasant.
2016