In the world of fine wine, some regions take centuries to establish their pedigree. Others have it thrust upon them by the sheer force of talent. In 2007, Chris and Andrea Mullineux—a partnership forged in the vineyards of Champagne and refined at Stellenbosch and UC Davis—saw the untapped potential of South Africa’s Swartland. Today, they are the undisputed benchmark, having put this rugged, sun-drenched landscape on the global map for terroir-driven excellence.

The "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove": 2022 “Schist-Roundstone” Syrah

Sourced from the stony, iron-rich Kasteelberg soils, the 2022 Schist Syrah is a definitive study of site-specificity. While it possesses the structural integrity and savory "olive tapenade" soul of a top-tier Côte-Rôtie or Hermitage, it offers a supple approachability and a purity of fruit that is uniquely Swartland. It is a wine that "tangos" with the French greats, proving that the schist soils of South Africa produce a mineral-drenched complexity that is second to none.

Critical Acclaim:

“ … this Syrah reveals impressive balance and staying power. It is the most powerful of the three Syrahs presented in this series, and it could be the wine with the most interesting aging trajectory."

95 Points, James Suckling:

“The meatiest and most concentrated of the three single-vineyard syrahs, this has notes of bacon fat, peppercorns, black olives and brambleberries.”

95 Points, Vinous Media:

“Very persistent in the mouth, this is outstanding."