David & Nadia new releases

David Sadie of David & Nadia.

David Sadie of Swartland label David & Nadia reiterates what an “awkward” vintage 2022 was for especially Swartland producers. “Four consecutive heatwaves during ripening meant the vines kept shutting down – the result is slightly more open wines. Red varieties definitely did struggle.” Viticulture and winemaking is generally that much more astute than it was a decade ago, and these wines are as desirable as ever for serious wine enthusiasts. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Aristargos 2022
Price: R410
47% Chenin Blanc, 11% Semillon, 9% Verdelho, 7% Clairette Blanche, 7% Roussanne, 6% Grenache Blanc, 6% Marsanne, 5% Colombar and 2% Viognier. Subtle and elusive aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, hay and flowers  while the palate has great fruit expression and bright acidity, the finish lightly grippy. Taut and detailed, a wine of finesse if not quite the same intensity as the previous vintage. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R410
Grapes from various old-vine sites. Some reduction before peach, citrus and hay. Good depth of fruit and well-integrated acidity – as with many examples of Swartland Chenin from this vintage, this wine is textured and substantial even at low alcohol, 12.5% in this instance. Not overtly expressive but still layered.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Grenache Noir 2022
Price: R410

Grapes from four vineyards located across the Swartland, differing amounts of whole-bunch fermentation used for the various parcels but on average 50%. The nose is shy with traces of cranberry, rose and dried herbs. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Elegant and lithe but significantly less striking than 2021. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Elpidios 2021
Price: R410
54% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 13% Carignan, 1% Pinotage and 1% Cinsaut. Red and black berries, lavender, fynbos and white pepper on the nose while the palate is medium-bodied with lovely fruit purity, fresh acidity and powdery tannins – good structure and length, another convincing argument for the merits of this vintage.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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