Description
A standout from Natte Valleij’s Old Vine Project, the 2023 Single Vineyard Cinsault is a wine of concentration and character, sourced from 1978-planted bush vines in Darling, South Africa. This vintage is more intense than previous releases, with savory, peppery notes from partial whole-bunch fermentation, layered with vibrant goji berry and raspberry fruit. The wine’s refined tannins provide elegance, while a subtle earthy texture adds depth. Floral aromas, typical of Darling Cinsault, emerge alongside a distinctive minerality that brings to mind sun-drenched landscapes and ancient rocks. It’s a wine that demands presence—fragile yet full of life, with a finish that lingers like a distant memory of African sunrises.
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.
