David & Nadia new releases

David Sadie of Swartland label David & Nadia admits that trading conditions are challenging, prompting more reflection than usual about the road ahead. “What is growth?” he muses. “We can’t compete on volume and low price points. We currently process around 120 tonnes a year, and that may well drop to 100 tonnes… Less wine, at higher quality.”

The new releases suggest a producer very much at ease with this ethos – purity, restraint and finesse once again the hallmarks of the range.

Aristargos 2024
51% Chenin Blanc, 13% Colombar, 11% Semillon, 10% Clairette Blanche, 8% Marsanne, 6% Roussanne, 1% Grenache Blanc. Complex if somewhat elusive aromatics of pear, lime, peach, apple, soft citrus, thatch, herbs, a little leesy character and earth. The palate is well balanced with concentrated fruit and a savoury, lightly grippy finish. Intellectually demanding rather than showy – a slow-burner that rewards attention. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Chenin Blanc 2024
Grapes for eight different vineyards. The nose is expressive with notes of citrus, peach, potpourri and hay. The palate exhibits controlled power – pure fruit, fresh acidity, the finish long and deeply savoury, even bitter. Focused, poised and precise.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Grenache 2024
Enticing aromatics of strawberry, raspberry, rose, fynbos and spice. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish nicely dry. Elegant, refined, urgent. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Elpidios 2023
26% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 22% Carignan, 20% Pinotage, 8% Cinsault. Cranberry, raspberry, plum, pomegranate, olive, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is medium bodied, flavourful and fresh. Well balanced and not without depth – good fruit definition, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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