- 100% Chenin Blanc
- Sourced from one parcel of 45-year-old Chenin Blanc planted in the stony Shale and Schist-based soils of the Kasteelberg, and one parcel of 60+ year-old dry land, bush vine Chenin Blanc grown in the decomposed Granite of the Paardeberg. They have the best acidity at harvest.
- Grapes were hand harvested at normal ripeness and then left to dry in the shade outdoors for an extended period to super-concentrate sugars and acids to 50% more than for Mullineux’s normal Straw Wine.
- Whole bunch pressed and racked to a single old 225L barrel
- Due to the extreme osmotic pressure in the juice, fermentation lasted 42 months
- Once it is finished fermenting, it is racked and bottled unfiltered, and unfined
- RS:540 g/L and TA:11.7 g/L
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2020
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Swartland
Appellation:
Swartland
Variety:
Chenin Blanc
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Flasks | ZA-MUL-83-20R | 6/250ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
Wine Advocate
Score
97+
Date
2023-12-29
"This is only the second ever bottling‡2012 was the first. The nose exudes confidence, with aromas of honey, golden raisins with a delightfully woody essence and resinous citrus blossom essence. The 2020 Essence is expressive, smooth and complex. The palate shows immense power and precision without being overly sweet on the palate, showing bright, succulent acidity that governs with ripe apple essence. No new oak is present. It possesses impeccable weight for 650 grams per liter of residual sugar and clocks in at 5% alcohol. With wines like this, they make me stop and think... This gorgeous wine will undoubtedly outlive you, me and everyone we know. Only two barrels were made."
Vinous
Score
97
Date
2023-11-02
"The 2020 Essence is the Mullineux's first release of this cuvše since 2012 and comes from the last fraction to come out of the press, comprising pure Chenin Blanc that took 30 months to ferment. It is beautifully defined and surprisingly discreet with marmalade, rose water, quince, apricot, and just a slight chlorine scent on the nose. The palate is unctuous as you would expect and deliversµ.drum rollµ650g/L residual sugar with effortless style. The 12g/L acidity upholds freshness and prevents it from becoming cloying and, yes, very Tokaji-like on the slightly tangy finish. Decadent and slightly outrageous. Available only in 250mL bottlesµso don't go asking for jeroboams."
James Suckling
Score
95
Date
2023-10-20
"Orange-amber color with notes of mandarin oranges, sultanas, chamomile, fruit tea and candied lemons. So intense, luscious and syrupy, packed full of sugar, flavor and lively acidity. Not made every year, this is made from a portion of the grapes for straw wine with the highest concentration, taking two and a half years to ferment. Drink or hold."