South Africa

Overall Red Wine of the Year. “With 100 points, you can only go down," Eben Sadie laughed as we tasted this wine. The 2020 is just a whisper short of the perfection of the 2019 release, but it's still a stunning red and has beaten all comers in this year's report. A seamless blend that combines five soil types and 11 vineyards, it's Syrah-based with 60% Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Tinta Barocca, Carignan, Cinsault and Alicante Bouschet. What grace, texture, focus and persistence. This has fibre, sinew and muscularity, nuanced 10% new oak and plum, blackberry, damson and wild strawberry fruit. Sublime winemaking. 2024-40”

99/100 Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}

{ratings} [] Tim Atkin MW:: 99/100

{ratings}

{***}

Now established as the preeminent Grenache in South Africa, Soldaat comes from just eight rows of 48-year-old vines belonging to Bielie and Erasmus van Zyl in Piekenierskloof. Graceful, silky and scented, with subtle 60% whole bunch spices, lots of energy and tension, pomegranate and redcurrant fruit and no wood at all. 2023-30

97/100 Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Tim Atkin :: 97/100

{ratings}{***}

The 2021 Pofadder is pure Cinsault with 40% whole clusters, aged in oak foudres for 12 months. It has an open and expressive nose with wild strawberry and raspberry scents, light slatey aromas and touches of orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied and framed by finely chiselled tannins, beautifully poised, balletic even. Tender yet intense, you will not find a better Cinsault in South Africa. Drink 2022-2036

97/100 Neal Martin, Vinous, Aug 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Vinous :: 97/100

{ratings}{***}

The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it. Drink 2023-2045

96/100 Neal Martin, Vinous, Aug 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Vinous :: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

No fewer than 17 parcels and 11 varieties (for now) contribute to the blend of this impressive white. Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc are the dominant grapes in a wine that nods towards the southern Rhône and Spain. Less exotic than it was, Palladius is tauter and more focused these days, with freshness and zip form Clairette Blanche, Colombard and Verdelho, citrus, pear, lemongrass and aromatic herb notes and a tangy, wet stone finish. 2023-30.

96/100Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2022

{***}

{region}Swartland{region} {color}White{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity}

{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2020{vintage}

{ratings} [] Tim Atkin MW:: 96/100

{ratings}

{***}

The 2021 Kokerboom is a blend of Semillon and Semillon Gris that is whole bunch pressed and aged in foudres. Quite steely on the nose with hints of yellow plum and lanolin, it's well-defined with a marine influence that becomes more prominent with time. The palate is wonderful: vibrant with yellow fruit, hints of nectarine and pink grapefruit that lend a welcome touch of sourness on the finish. This is a multi-faceted Semillon Blanc/Gris that is fabulous and intellectual.

97/100 Neal Martin, Vinous, Aug 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}White{color}                            

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Vinous:: 97/100{ratings}{***}

An instant delight, the 2021 Old Vine Series Skerpioen is bright and salty with a citrus-focused nose that offers soft notions of white flowers and sea spray. Medium-bodied, the wine compresses on the palate and shows energetic acidity with flavors of white spiced tea, lemon pith and citrus blossom before ending with a food-friendly, mineral-laced finish. It’s a brilliant wine that will find synergistic effects from being paired with food.

94+/100 Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, Dec 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}White{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Tim Atkin MW:: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

The 2021 Old Vine Series (planted between 1905 and 1920) Mev Kirsten shows surprising depth with bright citrus and a pristine focus that is initially linear but gives way to a lively and fresh expression that overflows from the glass. Medium-bodied, the wine continues to gain complexity across the mid-palate and uncoils in the mouth like a champion. The longer the wine sits on the palate, it reveals its subtleties and secrets before growing in amplitude and precision over the lively and energetic finish. Bravo! Drink 2023-2038

95/100 Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, Dec 2022

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}White{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Wine Advocate:: 95/100

{ratings}{***}

This medium to full bodied wine has aromas of bergamot, tobacco and dark fruits. The palate is structured, with firm, grainy tannins, spices and herbs, and fresh dark fruits. The finish is dry, layered and long. Best served at 16-18°C, this wine will greatly benefit from decanting if drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling and will reward if cellared properly over the next few decades.

{***}{region}Western Cape{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] James Suckling:: 94/100
   [] Wine Advocate:: 92/100
   [] Neal Martin:: 92/100{ratings}{***}

This is the most structured Syrah in their Single Terroir range. On the nose there are notes of black pepper, black fruit and spices. The palate is full-bodied with a meaty, savoury character, plenty silky tannins giving structure and a balancing natural acidity. The finish is fresh, long and supple. Best served at 16 to 18 °C, this wine will greatly benefit from decanting when drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling.

{***}{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Neal Martin:: 92/100 
[] Wine Spectator:: 92/100
[] Tim Atkin:: 95/100{ratings}{***}

This violet-perfumed Syrah is the most elegant of our single-terroir Syrahs. The palate is medium to full bodied and delicately spicy, with a silky texture balanced by a fresh, natural acidity. There are notes of black pepper, violets and lilies, red berries and herbs. Best served at 16 to 18 °C, this wine will greatly benefit from decanting if drunk within the first 3 to 5 years after bottling.

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] 4.5/5 Stars Platter
  [] Wine Spectator:: 92/100{ratings}{***}

This 2017 Columella is the first of ‘the drought years’ to be bottled and this very wine stands as evidence of the great stability to be achieved in a region with multiple varieties and vineyards planted in diverse sites. It shows that the greatest and most stable quality is to be achieved by a selection of vineyards rather than just one. The expression of a singular site has its place, but there is simply no better strategy than the combination of a bigger variety of terroirs to build up the most stable representation of our region. This wine is the result of 12 months ageing in barrels (8% new) and thereafter an additional 12 months in old, big oval casks. This 2017 vintage has incredible tension and density and is very much ‘locked in’. The firmness of the wine suggests that it is a great keeper. It does exhibit amazing herbal, spicy and perfumed aromas and there is more than enough fruit – but it is a highly-strung wine that needs time. The tannins are fine, powdery and almost silky with  lower acidity and more expanded palate than the 2014 and 2016. The wine is super-tight and will require at least 2 hours of decantation if opened prior to 5 years of age in the bottle. 

Review 27th April 2020 by Eben Sadie & Paul Jordaan:
Perplexing, in that there is almost no point of entry on the wine from an aromatic or taste aspect and the wine is still holding its cards to the chest. It does have some of the earthy aspects that were found in the early 2006 vintage. This wine is incredibly dry and restrained at this point but shouts of potential into the future. It will possibly develop into the same incredible complexities as was the case in the 2002 & 2004 vintage, but it needs the next 20 years to reveal itself.

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{***}

“Space prevents me from listing all of them, but this remarkable Swartland white is made from 11 different varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Palomino, Marsanne and Roussanne, spread across 17 different sites. Peach, pear and lime flavours are beautifully melded on this more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts white, with gentle oak spice and a thread of acidity that runs through the wine like a cool underground stream. 2022-29.” 97/100 Tim Atkin MW

{***}

{region}Swartland{region} {color}White{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity}

{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2018{vintage} {***}

“The percentage of Syrah decreases every year - it was once 80% and is now closer to 45% - allowing Eben Sadie to play with other Mediterranean grapes, namely Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca. Remarkably well balanced and refined given the heat and dryness of the vintage, this is a scented, floral, nuanced red with red cherry and mulberry fruit, fine tannins and a lift of stony minerality. One of the best ever Columellas. 2023-32.” 98/100 Tim Atkin MW

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{***}

It's entirely appropriate that Columella should achieve a 100-point score in its 20th vintage, having completed two decades of trail-blazing brilliance. Based on Syrah with 55% Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca, it's a seamless Rhône-meets the-Douro cuvée with violet, thyme and lavender aromas, subtle oak and peppery whole bunch spices, cassis, blackberry and cranberry flavours, thrilling acidity, minerality and haunting palate length. A truly great wine at the peak of its considerable powers. 2023-35.” 100/100 Tim Atkin MW

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{***}

“Space prevents me from listing all of them, but this remarkable Swartland white is made from 11 different varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Palomino, Marsanne and Roussanne, spread across 17 different sites. Peach, pear and lime flavours are beautifully melded on this more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts white, with gentle oak spice and a thread of acidity that runs through the wine like a cool underground stream. 2022-29.” 97/100 Tim Atkin MW

{***}

{region}Swartland{region} {color}White{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity}

{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2018{vintage} {***}

“Like Soldaat, Pofadder was fermented with fewer whole bunches in 2020, giving the wine more fruit purity and focus. Beautifully framed and complete, it's an old-vine Cinsault that combines focus with depth. Black cherry, raspberry and sweet spice notes play out across the palate with a lovely stony undertone. 2022-30.”
96/100. Tim Atkin MW

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Tim Atkin :: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

“Accessible young, as it tends to be, but also capable of ageing well in bottle, this is a coastal, 50/50 blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino grown on highly unusual sand and limestone soils. Aromas of citrus and almonds lead into a palate that is engagingly fresh, briny and salty, finishing with a pithy tang. 2022-30.” 96/100. Tim Atkin MW

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}White{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Tim Atkin MW:: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

Eben has worked for ten years with these old bush vines of Tinta Barocca planted in 1974. He highlights that, “…it has most probably been the greatest red variety planted in the Swartland... It just transports terroir and the typicality of the site much more successfully than most other red varietals.”
"We're doing an enormous amount of work in the vineyard to recuperate it," says Eben Sadie of his beloved Tinta Barocca, "and trying to extract less in the winery." Showing its classic grip and tannins, this has damson, liquorice and tar-like flavours and aromas, appealingly rustic tannins and the structure to age. Nebbiolo meets Syrah. 2023-32.”
96/100. Tim Atkin MW

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Tim Atkin :: 96/100

{ratings}{***}

“Soldaat went through a slight shift in style in 2020, with the whole bunch percentage reduced to 65%, proving that less is more. Wonderfully fresh, poised and graceful, this is a world class Grenache, with Pinot Noir-like delicacy, pomegranate and raspberry flavours and no wood whatsoever. 2022-30.”
97/100. Tim Atkin MW

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}Red{color}                            {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] Tim Atkin :: 97/100

{ratings}{***}

Palladius 2017 displays the magnitude of layers that is to be expected from a blend of 11 varietals across 17 vineyards, but unlike the previous two vintages there are more fresh fruit flavours and the stone fruit and peach skin aromas almost suggest a cooler vintage… this is in part the result of us picking slightly earlier than usual to try and save plant reserves for the vines to deal with the drought. This wine normally has more tropical aromas, but this year there is none of that to be found. Some white cassis and green apple skin make up a very restrained version with salty, mineral and slight honey and lime undertones. 

{***}
{region}Swartland{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{***}