“This is an incredibly intense and serious expression from Darling with almost Burgundian hints.” - Greg Sherwood, 96 points

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. Drink now-2030.

Press reviews:

JancisRobinson.com: "Every year, I lift this glass to my nose, breathe deeply, taste it, breathe deeply, and sigh with relief. My Darling, darling Cinsault. It has yet to disappoint me. It takes me back to African sunrises – sitting on kopjes in the Matobo Hills, watching blood-red light spill across and down the splits of bald granite rocks, the scent of resurrection bush in my nose, and the smell of rooibos tea. It has that fragile transparency of a paper-thin sliver of ruby – it feels as if it might crack in your mouth and maybe disappear. It really does taste of ancient rocks (and if you think I'm crazy, you need to watch the sun rise from the edge of the Matobo Hills). You can taste the rocks in the air. You can taste the sun rise. It's not a wine that seeks to charm or please. It's a wine that is. Meet it at its place. (TC). Drink now-2031." 17.5 points

Greg Sherwood MW: "This is an incredibly intense and serious expression from Darling with almost Burgundian hints of wild strawberries, pink musk, rose petals, salty black currant and a broody red cherry pastille undertone. Fabulous focus and power, but also seamless and soft, with silky fine tannins, beautifully integrated mouthwatering tangy acids and a long, creamy, candied red apple finish. A majestically classy old vine example of Darling Cinsault to enjoy now in its youth or over the next 8 to 10 years." 96 points

Tim Atkin MW: "It's not always the case, but in 2023 this was the more concentrated of the two Old Vine Project Cinsaults at Natte Valleij. Sourced from a bush vines parcel in Darling that was established in 1978, it's savoury, intense and full of life, with some clove and pepper spice from partial whole bunch fermentation, goji berry and raspberry fruit and refined filigree tannins. Drink 2025-2030” 95 points

Decanter (previous vintage): "Super-aromatic and enticing, like walking through a scented garden: violets, black roses and night lilies abound. Incense and smoke wreathe through intense black cherries and plums, then layer onto the palate, seeping into velvety tannins, and soaking in redcurrants, ripe raspberries and tomato essence. Finishing red-fruited and plucky, with tangy acidity that refreshes and urges you to go back and finish the bottle. This hails from a vineyard on a lonely hill, no other vines in sight. Planted around 1978 on Malmesbury formation rock with significantly decomposed granite, the wine feels as individual as its origins." 98 points

The Wine Advocate: “Alex Milner knows a thing or two about Cinsault, which has earned him the name “The Cinsault Whisperer” for championing the grape and making wines with amazing personality and expression from multiple regions within the Western Cape.”

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)