Sadie Family Columella Swartland 2022

99 points/'South African Red Wine of the Year,' Tim Atkin, MW: "(13.5%). This is the lightest bodied Columella ever, according to Eben Sadie, but he's not lost any concentration or intensity at the lower alcohol level. Sourced from 12 different vineyards, seven of which are on the Paardeberg, this features components from slate, gravel, granite and sandstone soils and is a brilliant vintage of one of the world's greatest reds. Partnering Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca and Pinotage, this is an almost indecently perfumed cuvée with lilac, fynbos and rose petal aromas, plum, red cherry and blackberry fruit, subtle 5% new wood and a focused, grippy, stony finish. Wonderful stuff. 2025-2040. (2024)"

98 points James Suckling: "Deep, seductive aromas of violets, green tea, coffee beans, oranges, mulberries, peach pits and smoked paprika spring from the glass. It’s seamless, layered and incredibly complex, with medium body and polished, sleek tannins. It has lovely brightness of fruit and a floral sweetness in the mid-palate. Focused at the end. Fantastic. A blend of syrah, mourvedre, grenache, carignan, cinsault and tinta barroca from 12 vineyards in the Swartland. Try after 2026. (10/26/24)"

95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2022 Columella has the lowest alcohol level ever bottled for this cuvée, at 13.2%. It is a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca. This takes time to open on the nose and is quite introspective at first, gently unfurling scents of potpourri, undergrowth and brambly red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There’s a real a sense of symmetry and focus here—a much "cooler" Columella than older vintages, with a sapid finish that urges you back for another sip. Eben Sadie said he would finish the rest of the bottle the night after my tasting…I can see why. Drink: 2026-2048. (Sep 2024)"

Producer notes: "Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsaut and Tinta Barocca. This 2022 Columella vintage displays floral aromas, and the bright, fresh fruit aromas carry over into oriental spicey aspects that then meet up with deepened earthy dynamics. Over time, the trademark violets and perfumes will develop further; the wine is very compact. The acidity at the end of the palate and the overall tannin are very well-placed, and the overall balance of the wine is terrific. The first thought that comes to mind is that it is a classic vintage, with most aspects being textbook. This 2022 vintage is also the lowest alcohol we ever achieved on the blend at 13,2 %. The wine needs time."