Description
Scoring an impressive 96 points from Decanter, this 2022 vintage is a fresh and vibrant expression of old-vine Cinsault from Stellenbosch. Grown on textured granite soils, the grapes were gently crushed and fermented in concrete vats, then aged for 11 months in concrete eggs. 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.
Reviews
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Full bottle 1,352 g. Certified Heritage Vineyard planted in 1972. A curlicue of iron, of bracken, of rust and iodine and seaweed: this wine is not about fruit or fruitiness. It’s about stone and place and how deep roots go. It’s liquid landscape. It tastes as if it has been chiselled by time not tool. It’s Cinsault on the rocks. You can taste the storm wind on your tongue. (TC) 12% [Tamlyn Currin, 10/10/2024]
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2030
Greg Sherwood 95+
This exceptional 1972 old vine Stellenbosch vineyard ceases to amaze with classic aromatics of rose petals, potpourri, strawberry compote and freshly cut red apples. There is impressive vibrancy and freshness, unfurling with attractive Turkish delight, red currant pastille, stewed strawberry compote and Pink Lady dessert apple nuances. The acids are deliciously tangy and mouthwatering, bolstering a full throttle concentration and delightful fruit length. Undoubtedly one of the Cape s benchmark examples. Drink now and over 6 to 8+ years. [Greg Sherwood, 24/03/2024]
Decanter 96
The unsung king of Cinsault Alex Milner makes a number of exceptional examples. In this superlative Stellenbosch edition, opulent florals spill out, with crushed stone and flint in the wake. Concrete fermented, basket pressed, then left to mature in concrete eggs for 11 months. Gentle vinification translates into dark and soothing fruit with orange zest piquancy. Red and black fruit harmonise through refreshing citrus and fine tannins. [Malu Lambert, 30/09/2023]
Producer Profile
Natte Valleij, a historic family farm in Stellenbosch run by winemaker Alex Milner, has received critical acclaim for his site specific Cinsault from various pockets of extraordinary old vine parcels across the Cape. Tamlyn Currin writes: “It was the first time I’d tasted Cinsault. It was the first time I actually understood the variety. It was a lightning strike.” Together with his stellar Axle Chenin Blanc from Darling. Tamlyn writes: “Alex Milner pushes the edges of possibility and beauty. He always takes my breath away. Surely this cannot be under £30?!” The stage has been set, heroing the adopted heritage grapes of South Africa, finally allowing them freedom of expression. As well as our very own, native Pinotage – Alex and his Natte Valleij wines represent the spirit of the Cape and we’d strongly advise you visit him and his wines during Cape Wine.
