100% air-dried Chenin blanc

"The secret to Straw Wine is harvesting grapes at normal ripeness levels to capture a healthy acidity, which is concentrated along with the intense Chenin blanc flavors, and sugar into a super intense, but balanced treat."
Source of Grapes: Grapes for our 2013 Straw Wine were sourced from one parcel of 33 year-old Chenin blanc planted in the stony Shale and Schist based soils of Riebeek Kasteel Mountain, and one parcel of 40+ year-old dry land, bush vine Chenin blanc grown in the decomposed Granite of the Paardeberg mountain. These are our parcels that give us the best acidity at harvest. 

Tasting Note: Deep golden straw in color, with a rich, viscous appearance. The nose is a complex, enticing blend of dried peaches, apricots and marmalade, with savory, nutty aromas of almonds, marzipan and honey. The intense, dizzying mouthfeel is balanced by a clean, fresh and very long finish of dried apricots. The wine is best served chilled at 9 to 11 C.

Reviews:

For the very first time, Chris Mullineux told me that the 2013 Straw Wine contained some botrytis. Same as previous years, it comes from one schist and one granite vineyard and it was cropped between January 26-February 5. It delivers 268.8 grams per liter residual sugar and was aged for 12 months in fifth-fill French oak. It has a gorgeous, very pure bouquet with honey, mandarin, orange peel and a touch of peach that is incredibly detailed. The palate is viscous, beautifully balanced and perhaps the purest that I have tasted since their debut in 2008. Layers of honeyed fruit infused with orange zest and mandarin, razor-sharp definition on the finish that has electricity flowing through it. Stylistically equidistant between a fine Sauternes and Tokaji, this might turn out to their best Straw Wine to date. As for the price...just how many bottles of Yquem could you buy for the equivalent. The cork?


I hear that sales of Mullineux have been strong in the United States as well as here in the UK, where I can vouch for a loyal fan base. If you have not tried when of Mullineux’s wines, then the sooner the better. -Wine Advocate 96 Points