WINE: Sijnn Red Blend 2019
Charla Bosman - Tim Atkin MW Young Winemaker of the Year 2022
BACKSTORY : Read FEATURE | The Monopole of Sijnn in Malgas
Varieties: Syrah 31%, Touriga Nacional 24 %, Tinta Amarella 21%, Cabernet Sauvignon 17%, Mourvedre 7%
Fruit source: An isolated vineyard in the Malgas ward near the mouth of the Breede River - called Sijnn(pronounced Seine)by the original Khoisan inhabitants.Perched on a plateau of slate and rolled stones, about 15km from the southern oceans of Africa.
Yield: 3 tons/ha
Alc: 13,53 %
Total Acid: 5.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 1,4 g/L
Vineyard:
The complex stony soils, together with a warm, dry climate, and a very low rainfall, moderated by constant sea breezes provides an ideal terroir to produce a great wine. A mix of top-quality varieties from various origins of warmer climate were chosen to best reflect this remarkable site. All vines are grown as bush vines and sustainably farmed. No pesticides were used. All vines planted on a mix of drought resistant rootstocks - Rug.140; R99; R110; Paulsen - and a mix of clones for complexity and diversity.
Vintage Conditions:
2018 was the driest growing season Malgas has had in the past 10 years. A minimum of 180mm of rainfall recorded. It was a dry and windy growing season and winter was cold, but not much water available. The moderate weather with cool nights continued throughout the growing season well into harvest, producing wines with good acidity and structure. A small size crop of great quality. Vines irrigated in winter, just before the growing season and again at veraison to assist the critical ripening process, otherwise the vines are left to look after themselves.
Vinification:
Handpicked and carefully sorted in small crates in the cool mornings. Destemmed and gently crushed into small open top tanks and oak vats with a small portion whole bunch. Natural yeast fermentation @ max. temp. 29°C. Time on the skins about 9-12 days, with the cap of skins punched down (pigeage) 2 to 3 times a day. Single pressing in a traditional basket press and malolactic fermentation in barrels. Mostly 225l French oak barrels in the first year and mostly 700l in the second year of maturation. 20% new for 22 months. (We feel this better respects the complexity of the fruit, while softening the wine sufficiently). The wine was bottled by hand, unfined and unfiltered. Bottling date: 21/12/2020 Production: 550 x 12 x 750ml, 200 x 1,5L, 10 x 3L
Tasting Notes:
A vibrant deep red colour. The Tinta Amarella's red fruit character is beautifully intertwined with the Syrah and Touriga Nacional's typical savoury and wild profile. Sage, lavender, thyme and rosemary on the nose. It is inky and wild but has a beautiful freshness, and concentration of cassis, blueberry fruit on the mid palate. Stony character and minerality lingers long after the first sip. It is elegantly powerful with a youthful freshness, yet a deep concentration, and a firm structured tannin profile, making sure this wine will last for many years. Hints of Blueberry cheesecake, a smooth and creamy texture on the palate. Best drinking 2024-2032
Ratings
95 Points - Christian Eedes
"31% Syrah, 24% Touriga Nacional, 21% Tinta Amarella, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon 17% and 7% Mourvèdre. Mostly 225-litre French oak barrels in the first year and mostly 700-litre in the second period of maturation, 20% new for 22 months. Red and black berries, dried flowers, herbs, cured meat, spice, a slight maltiness and earth on the nose. Dense fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine but not too fine tannins. Wild and deeply savoury, this is one of a kind."
96 Points - Tim Atkin MW
"One of the most unusual and distinctive reds in South Africa, sourced from a Grand Cru site near the Breede River, this is a unique blend of Syrah with 69% Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre. Sage, lavender and fynbos aromas lead into a palate of cassis, damson and blueberry fruit supported by stony intensity and subtle 20% new wood. Fresh, intense, concentrated and very long on the palate. 2024-32"
