98 points Tim Atkin, MW: "The percentage of Syrah decreases every year - it was once 80% and is now closer to 45% - allowing Eben Sadie to play with other Mediterranean grapes, namely Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca. Remarkably well balanced and refined given the heat and dryness of the vintage, this is a scented, floral, nuanced red with red cherry and mulberry fruit, fine tannins and a lift of stony minerality. One of the best ever Columellas. 2023-32."
97 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Drink: 2022-2045. Alcohol 14.0%. (May 2022)"
95 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Deep ruby at the core with a pale ruby edge, the 2018 Columella explodes from the glass with high-toned, dark red fruit aromas of black raspberry, dusty plum and dark cherry skin in the glass, with an alluring essence of dust-blown red flowers and a kiss of baking spices layered through the nose. Medium-bodied and bursting with flavor, the 13.5% alcohol wine shows impeccable balance, succulent acidity and lifting tannins, making way for a delightful mineral tension sensation across the mid-palate. The wine somersaults in the mouth, revealing new layers of black olive and dusty black cherry skin before concluding with a long, evolving finish marked by a dusty, red-berried essence that begs me back for more. This is a wine where, once you have a sip, you can’t help being seduced by its intoxicating aromas that will leave your head spinning. Another stunningly brilliant vintage of Columella. Bravo! Drink: 2023-2042. (Feb 2021)"
95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2018 Columella was 50% destemmed, spent six weeks on the skins and was matured with 10% new oak. It has a very precise and extremely focused bouquet of blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone and wilted rose petals, conveying wonderful energy and elegance. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, plenty of red fruit tinged with dried orange peel, cedar and hints of espresso, and a very persistent, structured finish that leaves black pepper on the aftertaste. Drink: 2023-2042. (Aug 2018)"
97 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Drink: 2022-2045. Alcohol 14.0%. (May 2022)"
95 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Deep ruby at the core with a pale ruby edge, the 2018 Columella explodes from the glass with high-toned, dark red fruit aromas of black raspberry, dusty plum and dark cherry skin in the glass, with an alluring essence of dust-blown red flowers and a kiss of baking spices layered through the nose. Medium-bodied and bursting with flavor, the 13.5% alcohol wine shows impeccable balance, succulent acidity and lifting tannins, making way for a delightful mineral tension sensation across the mid-palate. The wine somersaults in the mouth, revealing new layers of black olive and dusty black cherry skin before concluding with a long, evolving finish marked by a dusty, red-berried essence that begs me back for more. This is a wine where, once you have a sip, you can’t help being seduced by its intoxicating aromas that will leave your head spinning. Another stunningly brilliant vintage of Columella. Bravo! Drink: 2023-2042. (Feb 2021)"
95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2018 Columella was 50% destemmed, spent six weeks on the skins and was matured with 10% new oak. It has a very precise and extremely focused bouquet of blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone and wilted rose petals, conveying wonderful energy and elegance. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, plenty of red fruit tinged with dried orange peel, cedar and hints of espresso, and a very persistent, structured finish that leaves black pepper on the aftertaste. Drink: 2023-2042. (Aug 2018)"
| Product SKU | 703049 |
| Producer | Sadie Family |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| SubRegion | Swartland |
| Varietal | Rhone Blends - Red |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Ships To |
