Mullineux Straw Wine 2021

Region and Vineyards

Swartland, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, has emerged as one of the most dynamic wine-growing areas thanks to its dry climate, ancient soils, and a collective of innovative producers like Mullineux. The region's climate, with warm days and cooling afternoon breezes from the Atlantic, encourages phenolic ripeness while preserving acidity—crucial in the production of rich yet fresh straw wines.

Mullineux sources fruit for their Straw Wine from two prized old-vine Chenin Blanc vineyards that are essential to its style and balance. The first is a 44-year-old site on the granite soils of the Paardeberg, contributing mineral freshness and vibrant acidity. The second, on the schist soils of Kasteelberg, is 40 years old and imparts density, texture, and a distinctive saline tang. These low-yielding bush vines, rooted deep into ancient rock, deliver berries of outstanding concentration and expressive terroir-driven character.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage is composed of 100% Chenin Blanc, hand-harvested at typical ripeness for dry wines, then naturally dried in the shade for 16 to 30 days—allowing slow desiccation that concentrates sugar, acidity, and flavour without the intrusion of botrytis.

Once the berries reached optimal shriveling, they were whole-bunch pressed and settled before fermentation in old 225L French oak barrels (minimum 5th fill). Fermentation was spontaneous and extended over eleven months, ceasing naturally when the yeasts could no longer ferment further. This slow vinification deepened the wine's silken texture and layered aromatics. The wine remained on its lees in barrel until blending and bottling—done unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity and integrity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A brilliant, viscous golden hue with glints of amber; its radiant clarity signals both sweetness and vitality.
• Aroma: Sun-dried apricots, candied lime peel, and honeysuckle intertwine with beeswax, saline minerality, and hints of almond and hay.
• Palate: Opulently textured yet lifted, showcasing layers of dried peach, orange zest, and ripe mango. The schist-derived pithiness yields to an evolving savoury, mebos-like (salted dried plum) character, supported by vibrant acidity and a long, glycerol-rich finish.

Did you know?

Mullineux Straw Wine's residual sugar of 330 g/L and modest alcohol (8.5%) make it one of the most intensely concentrated and balanced naturally sweet wines in South Africa. Despite its luscious profile, the wine retains tension and energy thanks to Swartland's naturally high-acid old vines—an expression rarely rivalled outside the world's classic botrytised dessert wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Foie gras terrine with fig compote: The wine's richness balances the dish's unctuous texture while its acidity cuts through the fat.
• Roquefort or Gorgonzola dolce: Blue cheeses find harmony with the wine's sweetness and umami depth.
• Persian apricot lamb tagine: Complements the wine's dried fruit core while mirroring its savoury dimension.
• Lemon tart with almond cream: Enhances the citrus notes while the wine's texture matches the pastry's richness.

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.