Mullineux Syrah Granite 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Mullineux Granite Syrah originates from the Paardeberg in Swartland, a region widely regarded as one of South Africa's most dynamic wine-growing areas. Known for its ancient decomposed granitic soils, the Paardeberg produces wines of finesse and aromatic lift, contrasting with the denser, darker Syrahs from schist or iron soils in the region. These well-drained soils force the vines to delve deeply for water, imparting a distinctive freshness and linearity to the wine.

The vineyard sites are composed of low-yielding bush vines rooted in weathered granite. This soil type is renowned for giving Syrah a fine tannin texture and lifted aromatics, often reminiscent of red fruit, florals and subtle spice. The 2021 vintage benefitted from fair weather, which preserved the natural balance of acidity and ripeness, producing fruit with clarity, tension, and subtle complexity. With only 6,480 bottles made, this is a true single-terroir expression of Swartland's unique geology.

Winemaking

Mullineux works with a philosophy of minimal intervention to allow terroir to shine. Grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the morning at low yields of 5 tons/ha, ensuring concentration and purity. Whole bunches were placed in 500L French oak open-top fermenters and crushed by foot, encouraging a gentle extraction. Fermentation proceeded with indigenous yeasts, highlighting the authentic character of the site.

Post-fermentation, the wine spent three weeks on skins for further refinement of tannins. It was then gravitationally drained and matured for 12 months in 500L French oak barrels (50% new) followed by 10 months in large 2000L foudre, a choice that softens oak influence while preserving freshness. Bottled in December 2022, the wine was given an additional eight months of bottle ageing before release, ensuring integration and early drinkability while retaining its long ageing potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple hues, reflecting both youth and concentration.
• Aroma: Perfumed notes of white lily, red berries, and subtle spice, underpinned by graphite and a mineral lift from the granite soils.
• Palate: Red berry compote layered with pink peppercorn, dried flowers and exotic spice. The tannins are fine and chalky, with a subtle sanguine edge and a lingering, stony finish of great precision.

Did you know?

The Mullineux estate is celebrated for its "Soil Series" Syrahs - Granite, Schist and Iron - each crafted to showcase the impact of soil on Syrah expression. Granite is always the most perfumed and elegant of the trio, prized for its lifted aromatics and tension, whereas Schist shows power and structure, and Iron brings depth and darker fruit.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck breast with cherry glaze - the wine's red fruit core mirrors the sweet-tart glaze while its freshness cuts through the richness of the duck.
• Venison carpaccio - the sanguine note of the Syrah harmonises beautifully with lean game meat and peppery accents.
• Aged hard cheeses (Comté or Pecorino) - the chalky tannins and mineral finish pair elegantly with nutty, savoury cheese profiles.
• Grilled aubergine with harissa - the spice and smoky flavours align seamlessly with the wine's exotic spice and floral lift.

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.