2022 Mullineux, Granite Syrah, Swartland, South Africa

The 2022 Syrah Granite comes from the Jakkalsfontein vineyard that used to deliver fruit to the local cooperative. Mullineux has worked with this vineyard for 20 years, and several notable growers source from here. Like the Iron and Schist cuvées, this was punched down by hand, then matured in used barrels for the first year and 2,000-litre foudres for the second.

The bouquet offers a mixture of red and black fruit, a touch of gravel and notes of black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry. This is a more introspective Granite Syrah than other vintages. It’s powerful and a little austere with a slightly earthy, powdery finish. Give this three to four years in bottle if you can.

Drink 2027 - 2042