2021 marks the 5th vintage of Scions of Sinai, with the wines becoming more nuanced and detailed every year. In our opinion Bernhard Bredell is currently producing some of the most exciting wines in Stellenbosch.
A previous winner of Tim Atkin’s Young Winemaker of the Year, Bernhard works with the vineyards (both new & old) of the uniquely situated lower Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Most of these vineyards are situated on his cousin Pieter’s Rustenhof Farm, planted on decomposed granite soils.
The wines are made in an extremely old cellar that Bernhard has renovated at the very foot of the Helderberg. Winemaking here is very basic in the very best of ways. There is no room for big equipment or heavy machinery. The wines are properly handmade with sweat, muscle, skill, and sometimes, a little bit of swearing. There are no introduced yeasts to assist in fermentation, no acid additions for “freshness”. Instead Bernhard relies on the countless hours he spends in the vineyards every year to get the best fruit he possibly can from any given vintage.
The Wines
The three wines being released, Atlantikas, Señor Tallos, and Nomadis, are the early-bottled labels of Bernhard’s range. He also produces a range of single-vineyard wines that are released with 6 months more ageing.
These wines are less structured and more approachable in their youth than the single-site wines. They offer delicious, exciting and thoughtful drinking at an affordable price. Although these wines are being made in increasing amounts every year, they are not made in massive quantities and will sell out.
Scions of Sinai 'Atlantikas' Pinotage 2021
Made from two vineyards on Rustenhof (owned by Bernhard’s cousin, Pieter Bredell). 50% comes from a corner of the low-lying bushvine vineyard that supplies the fruit for Bernhard’s top Pinotage, Fénix; and 50% comes from a trellised vineyard at the top of the same hill.
As per previous vintages, there is 0% oak on this wine – Bernhard relies on Pinotage’s natural texture and phenolics for structure.
Beautifully pure, fragrant wine – with raspberry, cranberry and violets. A total joy to drink.
Christian Eedes: “Intense floral perfume, cherry and plum on the nose while the palate is juicy and bright with soft tannins. Cheerful and charming.”
Scions of Sinai 'Señor Tallos' 2021
A blend of 50% Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch that is fermented and macerated on its skins; and 50% Grenache Blanc which is fermented 70% carbonically and then spends time on the Chenin’s skins.
90% of the wine is aged in old barrels under flor.
Honeycomb, peach, salt and nuts on the nose. A lovely citrus pith-type texture on the palate. Firm tannin (more than the 2020) and a solidly long finish.
Unique and delicious.
Christian Eedes: “Striking aromatics of citrus, apple, stone fruit, potpourri, dried herbs and almond. The palate is light (alcohol is 11.1%) but super-flavourful – pure fruit, zippy acidity and some tannic grip to the finish.”
Scions of Sinai 'Nomadis' 2021
A blend of 87% Cinsaut planted in 1975 (46 years old) and 13% Pinotage planted in 1976 (45 years old) – on decomposed granite in the lower Helderberg. Slightly less (50%) carbonic maceration in 2021 gives this wine more weight and grip than the 2020, creating what many will perceive as a more “serious” offering.
Characteristic (for the area) Cinsaut notes of blackcurrant and licorice spice with some earthy notes is guided by the heady violets and juicy notes of the Pinotage.As per previous vintages, there is 0% oak on this wine – Bernhard relies on Pinotage’s natural texture and phenolics for structure.
Beautifully pure, fragrant wine – with raspberry, cranberry and violets. A wonderful experience.
Christian Eedes: “A slight note of reduction before cherry and pomegranate plus hints of flowers and herbs. The palate is again light but wonderfully focused – good fruit definition, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry.”
Scions of Sinai New Releases November 2021
Atlantikas - Señor Tallos - Nomadis
The new wines from Scions of Sinai have arrived!
2021 marks the 5th vintage of Scions of Sinai, with the wines becoming more nuanced and detailed every year. In our opinion Bernhard Bredell is currently producing some of the most exciting wines in Stellenbosch.
A previous winner of Tim Atkin’s Young Winemaker of the Year, Bernhard works with the vineyards (both new & old) of the uniquely situated lower Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Most of these vineyards are situated on his cousin Pieter’s Rustenhof Farm, planted on decomposed granite soils.
The wines are made in an extremely old cellar that Bernhard has renovated at the very foot of the Helderberg. Winemaking here is very basic in the very best of ways. There is no room for big equipment or heavy machinery. The wines are properly handmade with sweat, muscle, skill, and sometimes, a little bit of swearing. There are no introduced yeasts to assist in fermentation, no acid additions for “freshness”. Instead Bernhard relies on the countless hours he spends in the vineyards every year to get the best fruit he possibly can from any given vintage.
The Wines
The three wines being released, Atlantikas, Señor Tallos, and Nomadis, are the early-bottled labels of Bernhard’s range. He also produces a range of single-vineyard wines that are released with 6 months more ageing.
These wines are less structured and more approachable in their youth than the single-site wines. They offer delicious, exciting and thoughtful drinking at an affordable price. Although these wines are being made in increasing amounts every year, they are not made in massive quantities and will sell out.
Scions of Sinai 'Atlantikas' Pinotage 2021
Made from two vineyards on Rustenhof (owned by Bernhard’s cousin, Pieter Bredell). 50% comes from a corner of the low-lying bushvine vineyard that supplies the fruit for Bernhard’s top Pinotage, Fénix; and 50% comes from a trellised vineyard at the top of the same hill.
As per previous vintages, there is 0% oak on this wine – Bernhard relies on Pinotage’s natural texture and phenolics for structure.
Beautifully pure, fragrant wine – with raspberry, cranberry and violets. A total joy to drink.
Christian Eedes: “Intense floral perfume, cherry and plum on the nose while the palate is juicy and bright with soft tannins. Cheerful and charming.”
Scions of Sinai 'Señor Tallos' 2021
A blend of 50% Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch that is fermented and macerated on its skins; and 50% Grenache Blanc which is fermented 70% carbonically and then spends time on the Chenin’s skins.
90% of the wine is aged in old barrels under flor.
Honeycomb, peach, salt and nuts on the nose. A lovely citrus pith-type texture on the palate. Firm tannin (more than the 2020) and a solidly long finish.
Unique and delicious.
Christian Eedes: “Striking aromatics of citrus, apple, stone fruit, potpourri, dried herbs and almond. The palate is light (alcohol is 11.1%) but super-flavourful – pure fruit, zippy acidity and some tannic grip to the finish.”
Scions of Sinai 'Nomadis' 2021
A blend of 87% Cinsaut planted in 1975 (46 years old) and 13% Pinotage planted in 1976 (45 years old) – on decomposed granite in the lower Helderberg. Slightly less (50%) carbonic maceration in 2021 gives this wine more weight and grip than the 2020, creating what many will perceive as a more “serious” offering.
Characteristic (for the area) Cinsaut notes of blackcurrant and licorice spice with some earthy notes is guided by the heady violets and juicy notes of the Pinotage.As per previous vintages, there is 0% oak on this wine – Bernhard relies on Pinotage’s natural texture and phenolics for structure.
Beautifully pure, fragrant wine – with raspberry, cranberry and violets. A wonderful experience.
Christian Eedes: “A slight note of reduction before cherry and pomegranate plus hints of flowers and herbs. The palate is again light but wonderfully focused – good fruit definition, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry.”
Other Scions of Sinai wines:
Please contact david@exanimo.co.za if you have any queries.