Mullineux Syrah 2022

Region and Vineyards

Swartland, a cornerstone of South Africa’s fine wine evolution, lies just north of Cape Town and thrives under a Mediterranean climate defined by dry summers and cooling Atlantic breezes. With a focus on minimal irrigation and bush vine cultivation, the region’s old vines yield intensely flavoured grapes from soils that range from decomposed granite to schist and iron-rich clay.

The 2022 Mullineux Syrah is sourced from a patchwork of sustainably farmed vineyards. The quartz-rich Kasteelberg parcel contributes aromatic lift and precision, while stony schist soils on its mid-slopes bring density and drive. The decomposed granite vineyards of the Paardeberg offer freshness and refined tannins, while a small site north of Malmesbury on iron-rich clay adds weight and structure. Together, these parcels provide the wine with a core of complexity and terroir transparency, true to the signature Mullineux style.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage was harvested between 15 February and 1 March, at low yields of 3 to 5 tons per hectare (30 hL/ha), allowing for concentration and phenolic ripeness. Grapes were picked by hand in the early morning to preserve aromatic integrity. The fruit was crushed with 80% whole clusters, a technique that heightens aromatic lift and structural tension, and fermented with indigenous yeasts.

Extraction was managed gently over a four-week fermentation, balancing freshness and power. Once optimal tannin integration was achieved, the wine was pressed into 500L French oak barrels (used), where it matured for 11 months. Following a gentle racking after spring, the wine was blended and returned to barrel for an additional ten months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered in January 2024, preserving its purity and natural complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple reflections.
• Aroma: Plush blackberry, violets, cured black olive, and a touch of black pepper and smoked herbs.
• Palate: Velvety tannins wrap around dark red fruit, citrus rind, and baking spices. A core of freshness from the quartz terroir is layered with mineral grip from schist and iron soils, finishing long and savoury.

Did you know?

Mullineux’s Syrah is crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the diversity of Swartland’s ancient soils to define the wine’s structure and aromatics. The inclusion of the quartz-based vineyard in Kasteelberg since recent vintages has notably elevated the wine’s tension and aromatic finesse—giving an extra lift to an already celebrated red.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled lamb with rosemary and garlic – Complements the wine’s herbal and spice notes.
• Duck breast with cherry reduction – Accentuates the Syrah’s dark fruit and velvety texture.
• Venison stew with juniper berries – Mirrors the wine’s earthy and gamey character.
• Aged gouda or Tomme de Savoie – Enhances the wine’s savoury complexity and long finish.

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.