Scoring an impressive 96 points from Decanter, this 2022 vintage is a fresh and vibrant expression of old-vine Cinsault from Stellenbosch. These 46 year old bush vines are planted on rising ground in the shadows of the Helderberg Mountain. Grown in decomposed granite and facing Westwards towards False Bay, a mere 7km away. The vineyard is the closest we have to the sea and it is this maritime influence that really sets it apart from anything else we have. Affectionately call the ballerina in the cellar, because of its bright energy and gracefulness, it is certainly deserving of being bottled as a single vineyard wine. Matured for 11 months in concrete egg to maintain that purity, energy and poise, so obviously to this site.

Tasting Notes: The wine offers fragrant aromas of red fruit, cherry, and licorice, with a touch of herbal complexity. On the palate, it’s juicy and lively, with bright cranberry acidity and subtle flavours of cherry yoghurt, strawberries, and a hint of balsamic vinegar. Light in body with a smooth, long finish, this is a balanced, natural wine that showcases the character of the grape and its terroir.

Food Pairing: Light-to-medium-bodied, vibrant red wine featuring savory plum, cherry, and white pepper notes, making it an excellent pairing for savory, aromatic dishes. It excels with roast chicken, duck, pork, mild curry, Moroccan/Lebanese dishes, charcuterie, or slightly chilled with grilled seafood. 

A translucent red cherry ruby in colour, the aromatics on this wine are astonishingly pretty sharing the tantalisingly perfumed opulence and lift that you would find on a young classical Grand Cru Burgundy tasted from barrel. The fragrant notes of violets, cherry blossom and pressed rose petals slowly melt into waves of red cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry fruits with that ever present granitic mineral vein lending further complexity. The texture in the mouth is enchanting, resembling liquid silk and the intense red berry fruits are as pure as driven snow. This is an impressive single vineyard wine built around purity and precision, finesse and freshness, and in 2021, Alex Milner has created a proverbial liquid masterpiece. Drink this on release and over the next 10 to 12+ years.  96/100 Greg Sherwood MW

ANALYSIS: ALC 12.00% | TA 5.7g/L | pH 3.76 | RS 1.6g/L