Natte Valleij Cinsault, Darling South Africa 2022
Natte Valleij Cinsault, Darling South Africa 2022
“No one has done more to promote old-vine Cinsault than Alex Milner.” - Tim Atkin MW
Alexander Milner has quickly established himself as The Cape's go-to guy for Cinsault. He calls it "the poor man's Pinot Noir", not only because it has a similar ethereal lightness, but also because it is so sensitive to the site on which the vines grow and he has spent his career pedalling around The Cape on his bicycle looking for little plots brimming with potential. He produces 4 separate expressions from Paarl, Darling, Stellenbosch and Swartland. This is our favourite, the Darling Cinsault, from the eponymous ward that lies between Swartland and the Ocean. It's typically pale in colour and has Pinot-like aromas of earthy strawberries and rose petals and wild cherry that continue on to the free-wheeling, red berry palate whose featherweight tannins apply the brakes just firmly enough to stop you gulping it down in one. Just. 12.5% alc. Unfined and unfiltered, so it will be slightly hazy. Drink now-2030.
Press reviews:
JancisRobinson.com: "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. Good Value. (TC). Drink now-2028." 18 points
Customer reviews:
”Absolutely delicious. Had a bottle last night. Thank you!” - Mr. P.J.
”Do you have anyone more of the Cinsault? It’s so good!” - Mr. J. L. (previous vintage)
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Biodynamic farming.
Customer comments (including previous vintage):
“All the hype about this wine is more than deserved..... absolutely stunning!” - Mr. R. H.
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”I much enjoyed your Etna Rosso last night – it was lighter than I expected but very smooth and delicious." - Mr. A.M.
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"I did just cracked open a bottle of Ciauria and it is excellent!" - Mr T.J.
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"You can tell from the repeat order that the Ciauria has gone down very well. Looking forward to receiving the order, looking forward to drinking it more." - Mr. G.S.
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