Description
These 46 year old bush vines are planted on rising ground in the shadows of the Helderberg Mountain. Grown in decomposed granite and facing Westwards towards False Bay, a mere 7km away. The vineyard is the closest we have to the sea and it is this maritime influence that really sets it apart from anything else we have. Affectionately call the ballerina in the cellar, because of its bright energy and gracefulness, it is certainly deserving of being bottled as a single vineyard wine. Matured for 11 months in concrete egg to maintain that purity, energy and poise, so obviously to this site.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 95
Intricately perfumed, this vintage shows a more ethereal bouquet of roses, potpourri and Turkish delight, mixed with dried herbs and a subtle minerality. The texture is very pure and precise, deliciously tangy and fresh but also quite classically framed and intense with massive concentration and persistence on the finish. Very impressive indeed. [Greg Sherwood MW, 16/07/2025]
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Alex Milner tell me that, this is ‘a wonderful vineyard. Chris [Alheit] called me and said, ‘don t you want this vineyard?’. And we now take it entirely. It’s on the Polkadraai Hills. And old guy planted the vineyard in 1972 to make port, but there was never enough sugar in the grapes.’ Spontaneous fermentation for 12 days, left on stalks post-fermentation for structure and depth, 10% whole bunch. Goes into foudre for ageing for 18 months. TA 5.7 g/l, RS 2.1 g/l, pH 3.68, VA 0.78. 2,000 bottles. The perfume on this is unbelievable: damask roses, sandalwood. A wonderful matrix of structure in depth and breadth and length. So peppery. Deep roasted-tomato, roasted capsicum and then tomato vine on the finish. A real tapestry. Tannins running through it like bird-fine bones. Wild-strawberry sherbet. Such a long, long, white-pepper finish. A wine like this makes me hanker for steak tartare! [Tamlyn Currin, 21/05/2025]
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2032
Tim Atkin 95
Alex Milner has done as much as anyone to resurrect the fortunes of Cape Cinsault. This engagingly complex red comes from a 1972 bush-vine parcel on decomposed granite and was fermented in two parts, with 5% and 15% of stalks. Vibrant and acid-driven, it has rose petal and Turkish Delight aromas and a palate of pomegranate, strawberry and redcurrant. Mineral and complex. 2025-30 [Tim Atkin MW, 26/06/2024]
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.
