From a single parcel of sustainably farmed 22 years old vines planted in the stony Shale and Schist soils of our farm, Roundstone, on the Kasteelberg. These rocky soils limit vine size and so the clusters and individual grapes in turn remain smaller with a higher skin to juice ratio, offering denser, more brooding tannins. 

Whole bunches were put into open top 500L French oak barrels and foot stomped to release some juice. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts is followed by four weeks of skin contact, after which the wine was drained and pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. We pigeaged once a day before, during and after fermentation. In Spring the wine was racked and after a total of 22 months in barrel was bottled unfiltered and unfined. 12 months in French oak 500L barrels, 50% new, followed by 9 months in 2000L foudre and 8 months in bottle.

Tasting Note: These dry land, organically farmed SCHIST Syrah vines planted on Roundstone have developed a natural resilience to the dry conditions of the Swartland. The perfect weather conditions of the 2023 vintage allowed the grapes to express dark fruit combined with hints of Bergamot orange, fragrant African violets and nutmeg on the nose. The palate is led by silky, Schist derived tannins that will allow this wine to age phenomenally. Best served at 16 to 18 °C. Decanting is recommended when the wine is opened in the first 10 years from vintage. 

Food Pairing: Characterized by notes of black fruit, violets, black olive tapenade, and nutmeg. Due to its "Schist" terroir (Roundstone farm in the Swartland), it is often considered the most structured and savory of the Mullineux single-terroir range, featuring fine-grained tannins that make it ideal for rich, earthy, and protein-heavy dishes. Roast Lamb: Particularly, lamb loin confit or roasted rack of lamb, as the wine's acidity and tannins cut through the fat, while the savoury notes complement the meat. Venison: Roasted venison or other game birds pair well with the wine's structural intensity. Beef Stew or Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked beef with a rich, dark sauce brings out the dark fruit and spicy notes. Char-grilled Steak: A classic pairing that complements the wine's inherent smoky and black pepper, grilled meat characteristics

ANALYSIS: Alc 14% | TA 5.2g/l | pH 3.80 | RS 1.8g/l