David Aristargos 2015

On Friday, the launch of the new vintage wines from Swartland producers David and Nadia Sadie.

David Chenin Blanc 2015
Wine Cellar price: R335
From six distinct vineyards. On the nose, a  slight note of reduction before citrus and white peach plus some leesy character. The palate is rich and full (the vintage seems to have provided extraordinary fruit concentration)  but there’s lemon-like acidity providing focus and drive. A herbal edge to the wine provides interest.

#WinemagRating: 92/100.

Breathtaking.

David Aristargos 2015
Wine Cellar price: R335
35% Chenin Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 19% Viognier, 15% Clairette Blanche and 8% Semillon. An amazingly complex nose of citrus, white and yellow peach, potpourri, scrub, earth and marzipan. Rich but seamless and wonderfully balanced. This is luxuriant drinking – there’s plenty of weight but also fresh acidity. Succulent upfront but the overall impression is dry. Great depth and length.

#WinemagRating: 95/100.

David Grenache 2015
Wine Cellar price: R335
The nose shows roses, red currant, cherries and that olive-like note so many Swartland reds show as well as a little spice. The palate has good palate weight, fresh acidity and fine tannins. It’s probably more demanding than the 2014 but perhaps not as charming.

#WinemagRating: 93/100.

David Elpidios 2014
Wine Cellar price: R335
30% Syrah, 28% Carignan, 17% Cinsaut, 14% Grenache and 11% Pinotage. A floral note before plums, red and black cherries, herbs and spice plus also some oak-derived vanilla. On the palate, it’s rich and broad, perhaps even a little oxidative, with a savoury finish. It remains the most puzzling wine in the portfolio – the blend has always seemed ever so slightly discordant while Sadie says his intention in future is to reduce maturation time in barrel which should ensure more freshness.

#WinemagRating; 92/100.

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