David & Nadia new releases

David Sadie of Swartland label David & Nadia says “Was 2023 a classic vintage? The weather is so variable now that the term “classic” doesn’t apply.” What was relevant in this season was longer ripening periods leading to good phenolic development and more texture in the end-wines. Tasting notes and ratings for the newly released standard-label range as follows:

Grenache 2023
Price: R435
Grapes from four vineyards located across the Swartland, three on granite and one on schist. Approximately 60% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 18 months, 60% in old oak and 40% in concrete. Very pretty aromatics of rose, cranberry, a hint of pomegranate and spice. The palate is vital with good fruit weight, bright acicdity and powdery tannins. Pure and wonderfully balanced. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Elpidios 2023
Price: R435
61% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 5% Carignan, 1% Cinsault and 1% Pinotage – grapes from 12 different vineyards. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 18 months in a combination of concrete, neutral 500-litre barrels and foudre. Subtle and alluring aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, earth and spice. The palate is pure and tightly wound, the finish super-dry – this vintage has an extra cohesion and elegance about it perhaps due to the high Grenache component. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Aristargos 2023
Price: R435
51% Chenin Blanc, 11% Sémillon, 10% Colombar, 8% Roussanne, 6% Clairette Blanche, 6% Marsanne, 4% Verdelho, 2% Grenache Blanc and 2% Viognier – grapes from 16 different vineyards. Skin contact on the Semillon and Colombar. Matured for 11 months, 75% in old oak and 25% in concrete. Pear, peach, citrus and talcum powder on the nose while the palate is linear and focused. Pure, tight and direct, the finish possessing a saline quality. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R435
Grapes from eight vineyards, planting dates ranging from 1968 to 1986. Matured for 11 months, 80% in neutral oak and 20% in concrete. Struck-match reduction before peach, lemon and orange plus fynbos and earth. The palate is dense but equally taut – pure fruit and punchy acidity before a dry finish. Most accomplished. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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