David & Nadia new releases

David Sadie of Swartland label David & Nadia says that 2019 vintage generally provided wines of lower pH and higher acidity and the result on the whole is some particularly elegant and understated drinking. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

David & Nadia Aristargos 2019
47% Chenin Blanc, 13% Semillon, 11% Clairette Blanche, 10% Viognier, 8% Marsanne, 6% Roussanne, 3% Verdelho and 2% Grenache Blanc – eight varieties across 15 different vineyards involving 22 pickings. This vintage seems particularly reticent with the nose showing elusive notes of white and yellow fruit plus a little earthiness while the palate is lean, fresh and pithy. Quite challenging at this stage but should no doubt unwind with time in bottle. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2019
Grapes from seven vineyards spread across the Swartland, planting dates ranging from 1962 to 1982, these all registered with the Old Vine Project. Subtle notes of pear, peach and apple on the nose before a really vivid palate – pure fruit, a lovely line of acidity and a finish that is long and saline. Detailed and harmonious. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

David & Nadia Grenache 2019
Grapes from three different vineyards involving six pickings. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. Very pretty aromatics with notes of rose, musk, fresh herbs and red currant. The palate is light-bodied with pure fruit fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish lightly salty. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

David & Nadia Elpidios 2018
33% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 12% each of Carignan, Cinsault and Pinotage. Some floral perfume before red and black berries, olive earth and spice while the palate displays lovely fruit definition, bright acidity and fine, nicely grippy tannins. The best vintage to date, being altogether less brooding and more energetic. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Single Vineyard Series
David & Nadia Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc 2019
From a 1968 vineyard between Malmesbury and Darling. Striking aromatics of flowers, naartjie and stone fruit plus some leesy complexity and spice. The palate is rich and relatively thick textured – great depth of flavour with a gently savoury finish. Alcohol: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

David & Nadia Skaliekop Chenin Blanc 2019
From a vineyard on Paardeberg property Paardebosch planted in 1985 on shale. Potpourri, blossom, white and yellow fruit plus a little white pepper on the nose. The palate has excellent fruit density matched by bright acidity, the finish long and dry. Great focus and flavour intensity. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Spot on.

David & Nadia Plat’bos Chenin Blanc 2019
From a vineyard on Paardebosch planted in 1987 on granite. An exquisite nose with notes of flowers, dried herbs before lime, lemon and white peach. The palate, meanwhile, is crystalline – wonderfully pure and focused with great energy and length. Hits the target with pinpoint accuracy. Alcohol: 12.5%

CE’s rating: 98/100.

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