The new vintage 2021 Scions of Sinai wines from Bernhard Bredell have been released.

Bernhard Bredell grew up in a wine farming family, on their (previously owned) farm, Helderzicht, in the Lower Helderberg region of Stellenbosch. The Bredells farmed wine for over 160 years – 7 generations – and essentially was responsible for developing this region. Starting with Peter Bredell’s arrival in the 1850’s and passed down to his descendants aka “Scions”.

Bernhard now runs Scions of Sinai Wines which mainly focus on curating these uniquely located vineyards of the Lower Helderberg region (southeast of Stellenbosch) around a granite hill colloquially known as “Sinai Hill” – pure wines from a few specially selected dry farmed bushvine vineyards on decomposed granite.

Bernard is meticulous in his commitment to work with nature to uplift soil health. He spends many hours in the vineyards and favours a chemical-free approach both in the vineyards and the winery.

Young Winemaker of the Year

― Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2019

Bernhard: “2021 as a vintage seemed to play out as promising from the start. Fair weather, no heatwaves and dry ripening conditions with notably cooler nights. During mid to late February we had slower ripening. This, for an already smaller 2021 crop, meant the build-up of deeper concentration. Both notable on the nose as well as palate, while fresh as always from cool maritime winds.“

WO Coastal Region
A new wine in the Scions of Sinai stable. Named after Don Quixote’s “noble steed” in the famous Cervantes novel. An almost even blend of Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc with Voor Paardeberg Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Co-fermented with 24 hours on skins and pressed into old oak. As usual no yeasts, enzymes, etc. 9 months on lees.
A textured, savoury and refreshing wine.

Christian Eedes: (Winemag): 92/100

WO Klein Karoo
100% Grenache Blanc. Bernhard spent much of his youth in the Klein Karoo and after spending time in Priorat, Spain (where he was working with Grenache Blanc) he noticed how similar these two regions are. He then decided to make a Grenache Blanc from the Klein Karoo and came across this unique single vineyard near De Rust. Grapes are destemmed and soaked on skins for 48 hours before pressing and natural fermentation in old oak.
A precise and perfumed wine with lovely salinity and fine texture.

Christian Eedes (Winemag): 95/100

WO Stellenbosch
100% Chenin Blanc. Old vine (1978) Chenin Blanc vineyard planted along the contours of Sinai Hill below the Helderberg. Dry grown and bush vine, Bernhard tends this vineyard with the utmost care and attention. 50% was de-stemmed and soaked with skins for 48 hours before being pressed. The other 50% was whole bunch pressed. Both portions landed in concrete (a first in 2021) for natural fermentation and aged on lees for 9 months.
An exceptional wine of intensity and balance. Truly world class.

Christian Eedes (Winemag): 94/100

WO Stellenbosch
100% Cinsault. Single vineyard planted at the end of the 1980’s by Bernhard’s uncle Anton ‘Onderplaas’ Bredell. 4km from False Bay on decomposed granite soils with a high quartz content, this is one of the coolest (temperature) Cinsault vineyards in Stellenbosch. 30% whole bunch ferment and raised in old French oak.
Perfume, precision and power. This is Stellenbosch Cinsault punching way above its weight.

Christian Eedes (Winemag): 93/100

WO Stellenbosch
100% Pinotage. Single vineyard wine planted in 1976. Rooted in coarse sandy decomposed granite soils high in silica. The duplex clay and koffieklip layer is situated deep down and houses the deepest roots. The bunches are small and conical, “like little hand grenades” as Bernhard puts it. 60% whole bunch fermentation (with a small portion semi-carbonic), the ferment is unusually slow and long for Pinotage adding spice, intensity and structure.
Aromatic, arresting and intense. A Pinotage with the grace of a Pinot Noir, but the power of a Syrah.

Christian Eedes (Winemag): 93/100

WO Stellenbosch
100% Syrah. One of the last bush vine Syrah vineyards near the Helderberg. This 0.7 Ha vineyard is planted to teh SH1A clone. 80% whole bunch fermented with submerged caps – giving less access to oxygen and an overall more gentle process than normal. Think infusion rather than extraction. Aged in old French oak for 12 months.
Exceptional, evocative and elegant. Cool site Stellenbosch Syrah on granite; how wonderful!

Christian Eedes (Winemag): 96/100