Description
The best release yet of a Roundstone Syrah, reflecting the increasing age of a parcel planted 23 years ago, this is hauntingly perfumed and vibrant, with aromas and a structure that is the Côte Rôtie to Granite’s Hermitage. Violet, rose petal and subtle spice aromas lead into a palate that’s elegant, polished, detailed and refined, with ageing in foudres and 500 litre oak and whole cluster fermentation. Close to Syrah heaven. 2024-32
98/100 Tim Atkin MW
VINEYARDS
Fruit for this Syrah comes from a single parcel of sustainably farmed, 21-year-old vines planted in the stony shale and schist based soils of Mullineux’s farm, Roundstone, on the Kasteelberg. The soils are rocky and well-drained, producing vines with smaller and more open canopies, naturally small bunches and thickskinned berries. This parcel of Syrah gives the best expression of the Kasteelberg soil’s density with structured tannins and a darker fruit profile.
VINIFICATION
Grapes were first chilled in Mullineux’s cold room. The whole bunches were then 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 about four days, fermentation began with indigenous yeasts and lasted about 10 days. The cap was manually punched down once a day before, during and after fermentation.
Following a further four weeks of skin contact, the wine was drained and pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. The wine spent 12 months ageing in 500-litre French oak barrels (25% new), followed by nine months in second fill Foudre. After a total of 21 months in barrel, it was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Alc. 13.5%
pH 3.72
RS 1.9g/L
TA 4.9g/L
If out of stock, email us.
