2012 Mullineux Iron Syrah
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Tasting notes
Deep, fresh ruby-red color. Wild but clean aromas of raspberry, licorice, leather and bloody steak; the iron character comes through loud and clear. Large-scaled and mouthfilling, conveying a slightly sweet impression to the flavors of dark fruits, spices and chocolate. A hint of pungent greenness on the back end currently clashes with the wine's slightly rustic, granular tannins. Can't quite match the Granite or Schist for class but very concentrated. This is the only one of these 2012s to hit 14% alcohol.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Andrea Mullineux told me that their debut 2012 Mullineux Iron Syrah has been the hardest cru to fine-tune over the years. Indeed, it has been trialed since 2005 but never bottled…until now. “We have been working hard to perfect the acidity here and it’s been important to get life into the soil, getting the vineyard healthy, so that it can be picked with good acidity. Because it is dry farmed, in a space of three days, it can god from 22 to 26 Brix – so picking decision is critical,” she said. It has a subtle marine influence coming through on the nose with macerated black cherries, boysenberry jam and touches of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite grainy tannins, very nicely poised with touches of fig and marmalade towards the slightly saline finish. This is a strong debut to form the trio of Syrah single "terroir" offerings.
About the producer
Chris and Andrea Mullineux were at the forefront of South Africa’s new-wave movement and are now one of the country’s most established names. Alongside the Swartland project that made their name, they make wines in Franschhoek under the Leeu Passant name – a tribute to South Africa’s vinous past.