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 |