Scions of Sinai, Féniks 2022

Bernhard Bredell is one of South Africa's rising wine stars. Growing up on the family farm in Stellenbosch, he is a seventh-generation winemaker and set up Scions of Sinai in 2016 after studying oenology, viticulture and soil sciences at the University of Stellenbosch. The name reflects his commitment to both land and family: a scion having the dual meaning of a young vine shoot and a generational descendant; with the vineyards based around a rocky outcrop called Sinai Hill. Féniks 2022 is made from 100% Pinotage taken from a single vineyard bearing the same name; planted in 1976 and sits at the foot of the granite slopes of Sinai Hill. The grapes are hand-harvested in the cool of the morning to retain freshness and aged for 11 months in old French oak prior to bottling. The nose has vibrant notes of red berries and bramble leaf over the scent of earth after the rain. The palate is lean and refreshing, carrying those fresh berry flavours, but with a spine of minerality and a fresh finish.