Mullineux Single Terroir Schist Syrah 2017
Grapes for the Mullineux Single Terroir Schist Syrah "Roundstone" are sourced from a single parcel of sustainably farmed 21 year old vines planted in the stony Shale and Schist soils of Roundstone Farm on the Kasteelberg. This parcel of Syrah gives the best expression of the Kasteelberg’s terroir – density and structure. The Schist Syrah is the most structured Syrah in the Single Terroir range. The grapes from Roundstone were first chilled in Mullineux's cold room before the whole bunches were put into open top, 500 litre French oak barrels and crushed by foot to release some juice. Minimal SO2 was added and, as with all their wines, no further additions were made. After fermentation it spent 12 months in 500 litre French oak barrels, of which 25% were new, followed by nine months in second fill Foudre and then a further nine months in bottle before its release. On the nose there are notes of black pepper, black fruit and spices. The palate is full-bodied with a meaty, savoury character, plenty of silky tannins giving structure and a balancing natural acidity. The finish is fresh, long and supple. This wine will greatly benefit from decanting when drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling.
