David & Nadia new releases

Swartland winemaking team David and Nadia Sadie have for some time been at pains to ensure that their main range of wines does not exist in the shadow of the small-volume Single Vineyard releases. These new wines achieve that ambition admirably, demonstrating that the broader range is every bit as compelling in its own right.

Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R500

From nine vineyards, planting dates ranging from 1968 to 1986, the core of the wine from the Paardeberg. Matured for 11 months, 79% in old oak and 21% in concrete. The nose is complex and expressive, revealing citrus, stone fruit, hay and herbs. The palate combines impressive fruit depth with fresh, balancing acidity. Rich without excess, creamy without heaviness, it unfolds in layered fashion before a long, persistent finish. A wine of both power and precision, and thoroughly convincing. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Classic

Aristargos 2025
Price: R500

54% Chenin Blanc, 12% Semillon, 10% Marsanne, 9% Roussanne, 8% Clairette Blanche, 7% Colombard. Small amount of skin contact. Matured for 11 months, 80% in old oak, 20% in concrete. The nose is profound in its detail, showing white, green and yellow fruit, herbs, spice and a subtle flinty reduction. The palate is remarkable for its poise, combining concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity, the finish long, savoury and persistent. Complex, technically accurate and intellectually engaging, this is a white blend of exceptional refinement.

CE’s rating: 98 | Distinctive

Grenache Noir 2025
Price: R500

From three different vineyards, two on the Paardeberg and one west of Malmesbury. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. 71% fermented and matured in concrete, 29% in old 500-litre barrels. Evocative aromatics of musk, cranberry, pomegranate and black cherry. More powerful and riper than previous vintages, but to the wine’s benefit, with generous fruit weight, moderate acidity and powdery tannins before a gently savoury finish. Super-tasty. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Delicious

Elpidios 2024
Price: R500

48% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 13% Carignan, 12% Pinotage, 8% Cinsault. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in a combination of concrete and old oak. The nose offers an enticing mix of red and black berries, olive, fynbos, lavender and black pepper. The palate is generous yet poised, with impressive fruit density, vibrant acidity and grippy but well-managed tannins. Full of flavour and very satisfying. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Serious

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