Mullineux Old Vines White 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Mullineux Old Vines White 2023 hails from the Swartland, one of South Africa’s most dynamic and expressive wine regions. Situated roughly an hour north of Cape Town, the Swartland is defined by its rugged beauty, warm Mediterranean climate, and a commitment to dry farming. The region’s viticultural renaissance over the past two decades has been driven by producers like Mullineux, who champion low-intervention practices and the preservation of heritage bush vines, many of which are over half a century old. These vines are uniquely adapted to the arid conditions, drawing deep into the soils for sustenance and producing small, concentrated berries with vibrant acidity and intense flavour.

The vineyards used for this cuvée are rooted in three distinct soil types: granite, schist, and iron-rich clay, each contributing its own structural and aromatic signature. Granite lends purity and tension, schist adds depth and minerality, while iron-rich soils bring a savoury grip and vibrant energy. All vineyards are farmed sustainably, with yields deliberately kept low—between 2 to 5 tons per hectare - to ensure quality. The result is a wine that not only encapsulates the diversity of the Swartland but also pays homage to the resilience of old vines and the complexity offered by the region’s geological mosaic.

Winemaking

This wine is a field blend of 62% Chenin Blanc, 13% Clairette Blanche, 10% Semillon Gris, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Viognier, and 2% Verdelho. Grapes were hand-harvested between late January and late February at low yields (2–5 tons/ha), equating to around 30 hL/ha, ensuring high flavour concentration.

Grapes were whole-bunch pressed and the juice was oxidatively handled to stabilise phenolics. Following overnight settling, fermentation commenced with indigenous yeasts and lasted up to 10 weeks. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally, adding depth. The wine matured for 11 months in seasoned 500L French oak barrels (3rd to 5th fill) and two new 2,000L foudres, building texture without overt oak influence. It was left on fine lees until spring and bottled unfiltered in January 2024.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with green hues, clear and bright.
• Aroma: Ripe stone fruits, white pear, and yellow plum, lifted by floral nuances and a subtle saline edge.
• Palate: Multi-layered with juicy nectarine and yellow grapefruit at the core, framed by vibrant acidity and complex mineral notes. Hints of ginger and galangal bring a spicy dimension to the long, saline finish.

Did you know?

This wine represents not only a blend of grape varieties but also a blend of Swartland’s geological diversity. Mullineux is a leading voice in preserving South Africa’s viticultural heritage, particularly through their commitment to old vines - an asset increasingly rare in global viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled langoustines with lemon butter – The wine’s acidity and saline notes beautifully accentuate the shellfish’s sweetness.
• Roast chicken with herbes de Provence – Aromatic complexity mirrors the herbaceous profile.
• Thai-style green papaya salad – Fresh citrus and spice from the wine complement the dish’s punchy, tangy elements.
• Comté or aged Gruyère – The nutty, umami-rich cheeses highlight the wine’s textural finesse and lees influence.

History of Mullineux

The Mullineux estate was founded in 2007 by Chris and Andrea Mullineux, a husband-and-wife team united by their shared philosophy of terroir expression, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for Swartland’s viticultural heritage. Chris, originally from South Africa, studied viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University before gaining hands-on experience in France and California. Andrea, a graduate of the prestigious University of California Davis viticulture program, worked with top producers in Napa and in the Rhône before settling in the Cape.

Their joint vision was to highlight the Swartland's extraordinary old vines and soil diversity through refined, site-specific wines. In 2013, Indian entrepreneur and wine enthusiast Analjit Singh joined the project, enabling the creation of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. This partnership marked a turning point in the estate’s development, leading to a dedicated winery in Franschhoek and the birth of the Leeu Passant label, which focuses on historic vineyards from across the Cape.

Mullineux’s rapid rise to prominence has been underscored by numerous accolades, including Platter’s Winery of the Year (2014, 2016, 2019, and 2020) and Andrea Mullineux’s selection as Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016. The estate is widely recognised for helping to redefine the identity of South African fine wine on the global stage.

Region and Vineyards

Mullineux is firmly rooted in the Swartland, a dry, rugged, and sun-drenched region north of Cape Town. Once overlooked in favour of cooler-climate areas, the Swartland has emerged as a leading source of low-yielding bush vines grown in soils that are among the oldest and most diverse on earth. The region’s lack of irrigation and wide diurnal ranges allow for a long, slow ripening period, resulting in concentrated, well-balanced fruit.

The estate draws from over 20 vineyard parcels, each selected for its geological character and suitability to the varieties. These include granite soils on the Paardeberg, which contribute freshness and purity; schist-rich sites on Kasteelberg, which yield structure and density; and iron-rich soils near Malmesbury, which bring power and depth. Vines range from 35 to over 70 years of age, many of which qualify for certification under the Old Vine Project, an initiative to preserve and celebrate South Africa’s historic vineyards.

Farming is conducted sustainably, with minimal intervention and a focus on soil health and biodiversity. By sourcing from such a broad range of sites, Mullineux is able to craft wines of remarkable detail, structure, and site expression.

Wine Range of Mullineux

Mullineux produces wines under three primary categories, each reflecting a unique approach to terroir and winemaking. The Signature Range includes the widely acclaimed Old Vines White, a textured, layered blend dominated by Chenin Blanc, and the Mullineux Syrah, known for its plush aromatics, savoury complexity, and mineral backbone. These wines represent the core philosophy of the estate: balance, clarity, and expressive structure.

The Single Terroir Range explores the nuance of specific soil types with bottlings such as Granite Chenin Blanc, Schist Syrah, and Iron Syrah, each vinified and aged separately to articulate the subtle variations of place. These wines are made in very small quantities and have become collector favourites for their precision and ageability.

Finally, Mullineux is celebrated for its Straw Wine, a luscious, intensely concentrated sweet wine made from sun-dried Chenin Blanc grapes. A true benchmark in the style, it reflects the same artisanal ethos as the rest of the portfolio. Under their Leeu Passant label, the team explores historic vineyards in Stellenbosch, Wellington, and Franschhoek, reviving classic Cape blends and traditional techniques with outstanding results.

Did you know?

Andrea Mullineux has served as Chairperson of the Cape Winemakers Guild, a prestigious association of South Africa’s leading winemakers. Under her leadership, Mullineux became the first producer to be awarded Platter’s Winery of the Year four times, a feat unmatched in South African wine history.