Mullineux Straw Wine Chenin Blanc 2022 (37,5 cl)

Mullineux Straw Wine Chenin Blanc
Kleur: goudgeel
Geur: bedwelmend, honing, bloesem, gedroogde abrikozen, rozijntjes
Smaak: superzoet met tegelijk frisse zuren, bloemenhoning, rozijnen, grapefruit, eindeloos complex
Houdbaar: nu op dronk, te bewaren tot in de eeuwigheid
Lekker bij: een dessert op zichzelf, toetjes met ananas of gedroogd fruit, kaasplankje met blauwe kaas en noten

Technical Details at Bottling: Alcohol 7.50% – RS 342 g/l – TA 10.7 g/l – pH 3.38

Source of Grapes:
Each harvest our freshest two old vine Chenin Blanc vineyards which provide natural acidity have become integral in the creation of our Mullineux Straw Wine. These are from a 45-yearold Granite soil vineyard on the Paardeberg and a 41-year-old Schist soil vineyard on Kasteelberg, respectively

Winemaking:
Grapes are hand harvested at normal ripeness level of 23 Brix then left to dry in the shade outdoors for 2 4 weeks. This allows moisture to evaporate naturally from the berries, concentrating sugars, acids and flavour. When the grapes have shrivelled half way to becoming raisins they are crushed and pressed whole bunch, and racked to old 225L barrels. A little sulphur is added to inhibit bacteria but allow the natural yeast to ferment. Fermentation takes ca. 6 months and stops naturally when the yeast cannot ferment further. The barrels are then treated differently: Some are not topped, but allowed to oxidize slowly, to build complexity. Some are topped every few months, but left without sulphur, and the remaining barrels are dosed with sulphur and topped every couple of months to maintain their purity and fruit. After 12 months the barrels are racked, blended and bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Maturation: 11 months in old (5th fill) 225L French oak barrels

Tasting Note: Watch this beautifully viscous gold wine reflect the light as you swirl your glass. This fleshy yet focused sweet wine evokes notes of Cape gooseberry-compote and dried apricots, with enticing marmalade, marzipan and honey aromas. The complex layers of the intense mouth feel are balanced by a Granitic freshness reminiscent of wines grown in these ancient soils. Best served chilled at 9 to 11 °C.

Neal Martin, Vinous: 97/100 
Wine Advocate: 97/100
Platter’s 95/100 *****
Tim Atkin MW,  97/100
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100