Sadie Family Wines Signature Series new releases

The first observation to make about any wines from the 2021 vintage is that the world was amid Covid-19 lockdowns – in the lead-up to harvest, producers couldn’t travel on their usual international marketing trips and were compelled to spend more time in the vineyards…

Over and above that, Swartland was characterised by relatively moderate weather conditions and slow ripening – the infamous drought had broken even if the effects lingered. The Sadie Family Wines Signature Series wines from this year are profoundly good, tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Palladius 2021
Price: R1 000
A blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Gris, Semillon Blanc & Palomino and Colombard from 17 separate vineyards. Matured for 12 months amphora and concrete before a further 12 months in foudres. Complex and almost inexpressible aromatics – white, green and yellow fruit, hay, fennel and other herbs and fynbos. Pure fruit, fresh acidity and nicely grippy on the finish – powerful but harmonious. Great structure in terms of the interplay between fleshiness, acidity and tannin. Serious and uncompromising.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Columella 2021
Price: R1 095
A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsaut and Tinta Barocca from 10 separate vineyards. Maturation involves 12 months in barrel, 5% new before a further 12 months in foudres. Brooding aromatics of dark berries, fynbos, liquorice, earth and spice. Massive fruit concentration matched by fresh acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. Super-complex – layers and layers of flavour – plenty of power but also verve, an irresistible umami-quality to the finish.

CE’s rating: 98/100.

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