2012 Mullineux Schist Syrah
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Tasting notes
Bright, deep red. Shows a slightly roasted quality but also terrific energy and lift to the rather brooding aromas of dark berries, licorice, mint and spices, with a pungent mineral quality in the background. Densely packed but quite tight and dry, showing a youthfully muscular character to the intense flavors of cranberry, sour cherry and pepper. Finishes slightly dry-edged, with a minty reserve. This one is the hardest to taste today of this trio of 2012 Syrahs.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Mullineux Schist Syrah has a more feminine bouquet than the Granite Syrah, perhaps a little more harmonious with blackberry, chalk, redder fruit and perhaps less floral than the Granite Syrah. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent and fleshier tannins than the Granite. It is underpinned by a taut line of acidity and is blessed with a very harmonious and satin-like smooth finish that lingers in the mouth, the minerality coming through on the aftertaste. This is a stunning Syrah from Chris and Andrea and their finest 2012.
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.