In 2007 Mullineux Family of Wines was established after Chris and Andrea Mulineux worked vintages in France and South Africa. It makes sense since South Africa’s history is deeply influenced by the French. It’s not clear how this dynamic couple was inspired to produce their own wine other than establishing a business partnership with Pathero and Peter Dart. It certainly takes capital to have your own label of wine and have demonstrated their vital commitment to producing serious wine. They have been honored internationally so much that Analjit Singh purchased shares in the company; It has been renamed Mullineux & Leeu Family of Wines. (Who is Analjit Singh?) He owns a hospitality group, Leeu Collection, and purchased 3 adjacent farms in Franschhoek; the brand was born. Despite the disjointed intro, I always try to give a short background, but onto the bottle.
I adore Swartland. This an emerging region with climate and soils that produce extraordinary wines with longevity. Swartland is a large wine-producing area 40 miles north of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Traditionally a wheat-producing region, it now specializes in making rich, fruit-driven wines particularly from the Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage grape varieties. But this region resonates with cool climate savory Syrah that can rival Cote Rotie. Granite, shale, and schist, Andrea & Chris recognized Syrah’s pure expression. It’s treated with whole bunch fermentation, indigenous yeast, aged 11 months 15% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered.
Deep ruby with a brilliant opaque core. On the nose wild black fruit, back berries, black cherry cordial, blueberries, orange oil, dried violets, cracked black pepper, menthol, smoke, toasted wheat, black olives, wet gravel. On the palate it’s dry, medium acid, high alcohol, velvet medium tannins, full body savory texture high intensity with bramble dark and blue fruit, brine, sweet herbs, perfumed with a potpourri of flowers, savory spices, crushed gravel, long finish. This is a very good wine. The flavors and aromas are fragrant, It blankets the mid-palate with a smooth texture, very concentrated, and displays layers of notes. The alcohol is warming and the bold flavors are easily balanced. Tannin is super ripe to give the wine outstanding longevity and can support a bit more acid. If you want to cellar, I suggest 3-5 years more; but it’s captivating now.
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