Description
Sourced from a unique, isolated vineyard of 45-year-old bush vines, this Cinsault is grown just 16 km from the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by wheat fields and a series of gates. The wine reflects the terroir of this remote location, with the characteristic boudoir perfume of roses and jasmine, complemented by earthy beach fynbos aromas. The grapes, including 15% whole clusters, were basket-pressed and aged in old oak for 11 months. The result is a vibrant wine with red plum, raspberry, and cherry flavors, balanced by a nervy energy, a chewy tannic structure, and a deep saltiness at its core. A beautifully expressive and distinctive wine with both elegance and depth.
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.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 96
This is an incredibly intense and serious expression from Darling with almost Burgundian hints of wild strawberries, pink musk, rose petals, salty black currant and a broody red cherry pastille undertone. Fabulous focus and power, but also seamless and soft, with silky fine tannins, beautifully integrated mouthwatering tangy acids and a long, creamy, candied red apple finish. A majestically classy old vine example of Darling Cinsault to enjoy now in its youth or over the next 8 to 10 years. [Greg Sherwood MW, 31/01/2024]
JancisRobinson.com 18
It smells of iron, kudu biltong, rain-pelted jacaranda blossom, hot tarmac roads after a storm. Alex Milner’s Cinsault Darling has always been my darling Cinsault, and nothing changes with this latest vintage. It’s a mouth-watering soul gong of a wine that always tastes a little bit of tears, grief, dust and blood. It’s not an easy wine. It has a little bit of Plath in it. The tannins curl through the cracks; cumin and cashmere. It tastes like strong black tea, blood orange studded with cloves, jasmine. It tastes a little bit defiant. [Tamlyn Currin, 19/09/2023]
Tim Atkin 95
Darling makes Cinsaults that are "more Pinot Noir like" in the words of Alex Milner. This is another charming, graceful expression of South Africa’s lost variety, a wine that wouldn’t look out of place in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. Fermented with 15% stems, it has rose petal and summer pudding aromas, filigree tannins and lots of underlying zip and sweetness. A truly delicious drink [Tim Atkin MW, 01/09/2023]
Decanter 95
‘This is the most isolated vineyard we work with,’ says Alex Milner of the 45-year-old bush vines surrounded by wheat fields in this single vineyard just 16km from the Atlantic. Cinsault’s characteristic boudoir perfume of roses and jasmine alongside earthier beach fynbos. Grapes (including 15% whole clusters) are basket-pressed and aged in old oak for 11 months, allowing the red plum, raspberry and cherries flavours to glow. Nervy energy, a chew of tannins and a deep salt tang at its core. [Malu Lambert, 01/08/2023]
