Sadie Family Wines Signature Series new releases

When 25 selected wine professionals were asked to vote for their top SA wineries towards the end of last year, Sadie Family Wines came out way ahead of any other (see here). Its two multi-site, multi-varietal wines that make up the Signature Series, are both now pretty close to iconic. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Columella 2022
Price: R1 200
Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsaut, Tinta Barocca and Pinotage. Matured for 12 months in oak barrels, of which 5% were new, before a further 12 months in foudre. Cherry, cranberry, plum and cassis plus flowers, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose. Alcohol is 13.2%, the lowest ever achieved on the blend, and yet the palate shows good fruit depth, even some roundness to go with bright acidity and firm but not coarse tannins, the finish possessing great length. Well delineated, composed and just supremely elegant.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Palladius 2022
Price: R1 095
Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Gris, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard. Matured for 12 months in amphorae and concrete before a further 12 months in foudre. Complex aromatics of peach, citrus, some waxy complexity, ginger and other spice. The palate is full, rich and round, smooth in texture, the acidity tangy, the finish gently savoury. A luscious rendition of this wine perhaps reflecting the warm conditions that prevailed during the growing season. Alc: 13.5%.  

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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