2024 Mullineux, Old Vines White
This Swartland Chenin blend has upfront aromas of fresh stone fruit and lightly poached pears which follow through to a complex palate which has layers of yellow grapefruit and nectarines, a vibrant acidity with hints of ginger and citrus-like galangal on the finish. The 2024 Old Vines White continues the marriage of old vine Chenin Blanc with Mediterranean varieties planted on the Granite, Schist and Iron based soils of the Swartland. The incredible texture and backbone of the blend is brought by low yielding old-vine Chenin Blanc grown on all these soils. The Clairette Blanche and Grenache Blanc add layers of salinity and freshness, and its opulent fragrance is from the Viognier, Semillon Gris and Verdelho. These vineyards are up to sixty-eight years old, and all sustainably farmed.
"The 2024 Old Vines White comes from vines up to 70 years old on granite soils in the Paardeberg. This blend is predominantly Chenin Blanc (68%) and is aged in 500-litre used barrels and 2,000-litre foudre. It has a pretty, quite waxy, honeysuckle-tinged bouquet with a hint of wet wool. Fine delineation. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity. Taut and fresh, there is a little more pepperiness on the finish compared to previous vintages. Excellent. Drink 2025-2036." Neal Martin, Vinous.com