Bright red crushed fruit and darker blueberry aromas intertwine with subtle earthy undertones, showcasing a harmonious blend of vineyard expressions. The palate is finely textured, with seamless tannins and a powder-dry finish that exudes refinement and balance. A vibrant acidity threads through the wine, promising elegance and longevity, with at least eight years of aging potential recommended.
Hand sorting of individual berries of the entire production in small “strawberry” cases. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in 3300-liter open concrete fermenters for about three weeks at a temperature of 24 °C and is then followed by a post-fermentation maceration of another three weeks. No additions are made to the fermenting wine. Pressing takes place in a traditional basket press and the wine is transferred to the barrel (5% new) for malolactic fermentation.
Winemaker: Eben Sadie
Winemaker: Eben Sadie
Eben Sadie is considered one of the great preservationists and visionaries in the new generation of South African winemakers. To Eben, the vineyard and fruit are part of the story—the truest expression of his art and philosophy. The wine writer Neal Martin recently called Sadie an “outspoken, peripatetic, terroir-obsessed winemaker who has been instrumental in putting Swartland on the map. He produces a small portfolio of comparatively expensive, but highly coveted wines based on Rhone varieties sourced from his seemingly never-ending search for pockets of old bush vines and unique terroirs. These are cerebral wines built to age.” Sadie was founded in 1999, first wine was released in 2000.
