2020 Mullineux Syrah Swartland

Winemaker Notes: This perfumed Syrah has notes of spicy citrus rind, refined black fruit, violets and lilies. The palate is elegant and restrained with a silky texture balanced by a fresh, natural acidity. The finish is long with supple tannins. Best served at 16 to 18 °C, this wine will greatly benefit from decanting if drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Showing its youthful demeanor with a fresh, dark, red-fruited core, the 2020 Syrah is bright and firm. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers an expressive tannic grip that drives the mouthfeel, expressing fresh plum skin and black cherry flavors alongside a delightful floral essence in the mouth. The wine glides to a firm and spicy finish and will remain food-friendly for years. Bravo!"


Vinous - "The 2020 Syrah is virtually crushed whole cluster (no carbonic) from mainly schist soils, around 70% of the blend. This is well-defined and focused on the nose, red berry fruit intermixed with light ember and garrigues-like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and grip with a Cornas-like finish leaning more towards black than red fruit and cracked black pepper on the aftertaste. This will give 20 years' drinking pleasure."


Wine Spectator - "A fresh, polished red, dark and enticing, with a pretty waft of violet on the nose, a deep, savory base note of iron and mineral, plus a lovely range of blackberry paste, black cherry reduction, herbes de Provence and milled pepper and spice accents. The finish is firmed by supple, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 1,949 cases made, 104 cases imported."


James Suckling - "Inviting aromas of plums, black cherries, blueberries and black pepper. Medium-bodied with slightly tight tannins. Juicy and expressive with good tension. Will open up even more with time, but already very tasty. Drink now."