2008 Mullineux White, Swartland, South Africa

Extremely tangy, but deeply satisfying and wild. Firm and bone dry with lots of honey and interest. Exceptional. New South African producer to watch.
(Jancis Robinson, White Christmas - Wines for festive drinking - Financial Times, 28 Nov 09)

The 2008 Mullineux White marks a very exciting debut from Chris and Andrea Mullineux (almost as exciting indeed as their newly born son John!) who've gone that extra mile to source top, sustainably-grown fruit from former TMV suppliers in this prized viticultural area, Swartland. In an Old World style not dissimilar to the best of the Southern Rhone, this blend of 86% Chenin Blanc, 7% Clairette, 7% Viognier, wild yeast fermented in 225 litre French barriques, before being bottled, unfined and unfiltered (all 330 cases of it). The wine displays a nuanced, composed nose of white pepper, wet-stone and herbal, citrus notes.

Still a babe (!), it gives little away on the palate, bar a suave, stony pure, beeswax and peach kernel feel, echoing a fine Alsacien Pinot Blanc or Sylvaner, with little clue either to its 13.5% alcohol or Cape provenance. Should continue to improve beautifully over the next 5 years, till 2014...match with tuna or other sea fish.
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)

Blending chenin blanc with clairette and viognier, the lees stirring in cask of this Cape dry white brings complexity to an old vine; rich dried fruit cut by citrusy acidity.
(Anthony Rose - Something for the weekend - The Independent - 22-Aug-2009)

This blend of 86% Chenin Blanc with Clairette and Viognier has a more Rhône-like than Loire character. Fermented with natural yeasts in older oak, it has a rich, powerful nose with apple fruit and the fat, lemony character of youth. On the palate this is restrained and maintains that powerful, textural density, with a taut mineral and white fruit edge, its leesy weight just adding a touch of breadth on the finish.
(91/100 points The Wine Gang - Top 20 BBR Wines - July 09)