NatteValleijDarlingVineyardCinsault

18/20 â€?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. GV â€?Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com

95/100 â€?â€?em>This is the most isolated vineyard we work with,â€?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. â€?Malu Lambert, Decanter