Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2011:
‘This has the lovely delicate aroma of a blend, though the Chenin fruit dominates. On the palate it is creamy and sophisticated and long. Extremely persistent. A wine to spend the evening with, not a speed date. Very, very long.’ – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Mar 2013)

‘The fourth vintage of the Mullineux’ Swartland white is right up there with its ditiguished predecessors. Pickerd early to retain acidity and fermented in a mixture of barrels and large oak, this Chenin-based blend is remarkably fresh and zesty, with citrus fruit, some spice and an exotic undertone. Drink 2013-18.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2013, 94/100

‘Captivatingly subtle blend of very special blocks of Swartland chenin, clairette & viognier, expertly handcrafted into a Cape benchmark. 2011 follows impeccable class of 2010 (5 stars) & previous; nuanced & balanced with a gracious peacock’s tail finish.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2013, 4.5*

2014:
‘Pale straw gold. Not straight varietal nose but lots of layers. Some honey and green molten honey. Complex and delicately made. Grip on the end’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17+/20 (Jun 2017)

‘A Cape standard bearer for this genre, from old vines. Chenin-led 2014, with clairette, viognier & splash semillon gris, similar baked apple & almond flavours & waxy texture to 2013 (4.5 stars, 92 pts), but more immediately opulent & appealing. Natural ferment in barrel & foudre, with further oak maturation (20% new).’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 5*

‘Including Semillon Gris for the first time (alongside mostly Chenin with Clairette Blanche and Viognier), this old vine blend is complex and flavoursome. Citrus, pear and nectarine notes are complemented by saline acidity and beautifully judged oak. Typically accomplished. Drink: 2016-20’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 95/100

‘This Chenin Blanc-based blend, with 13% Clairette, 10% Viognier and 4% Sémillon, starts off with notes of fresh herbs and verbena, supported by notes of lightly toasted-apple skin, white peach and melon. There's a pleasant roundness to the body, though ample acidity and a lingering clove accent pick up the midpalate and carry through to the lingering finish. Drink now–2020.’ – Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Dec 2016)

2019:
‘Intense honey and beeswax on the nose. This is such a classic wine that has never disappointed but you can taste the extra concentration in this vintage. An untutored palate might assume wrongly that this wine has some sweetness because it's so rich. Satin texture and waves of flavour including green leaves and Cape gooseberries. Long, subtle and thoroughly admirable.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Mar 2021)

‘The 2019 White Old Vines was left without additional sulfur on its lees until spring and matured in foudres and 500-liter used barrels for nine months. It has a fragrant bouquet of nutmeg, hazelnut and touches of white chocolate, suggestions of orange blossom developing with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a wonderful, tensile opening, hinting at marmalade, quince and subtle walnut and smoky notes on the finish, which has real gusto. This is a wonderful white blend from the Chris and Andrea Mullineux.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Apr 2021)

‘Masterly blend showing fruit & floral complexity, salty acidity & whisper oak spice (20% new). 2019 chenin (66%) with 4 other stalwarts plus verdelho & macabeo - former enhancing acidity, latter texture - in 4 main Swartland soils, like 2018 (5 stars, 96 pts). Year mixed-size wood. Worth ageing.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2021, 4.5* (93/100)

‘Chenin Blanc is the marquee variety here, with support from 26% Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Semillon Gris, Viura and Verdelho, most of which is sourced from 37 to 70-year-old vines. Lemon, lime and wet stone flavours with some phenolic grip and remarkable palate length. 2021-27’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 95/100

Notes

Please note the image of the Mullineux Old Vines 2019 is not the original image.