The 2023 Sadie Family Swartland Columella is a profound and beautifully composed red blend from Eben Sadie’s iconic Swartland estate — widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest wines. Produced from eleven vineyards across the Paardeberg, Kasteelberg, Malmesbury and Piquetberg regions, the wine blends Syrah with a complex mix of Mediterranean and Iberian varieties including Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Tinta Barocca and Cinsault. The 2023 vintage is especially refined and aromatic, shaped by a cooler, more balanced growing season that delivered exceptional freshness and precision. Fermented naturally with around 30% whole bunches and aged for two years in old oak barrels and large foudres, the wine reflects Sadie’s philosophy of transparency, restraint and terroir expression.
The nose reveals blackberry, redcurrant and dark cherry layered alongside violets, oregano, garrigue herbs and exotic spice, giving the wine extraordinary perfume and complexity. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with incredibly fine-grained tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of bramble fruit, licorice, graphite and savoury spice unfold with remarkable energy and elegance, finishing long, seamless and beautifully persistent with immense ageing potential. Critics have praised the wine’s “haunting minerality,” “aristocratic grace” and extraordinary balance between power and finesse, with multiple reviewers describing it among the finest Columella releases to date.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Sadie Family Columella is a world-class Swartland red blend — powerful, mineral and exquisitely refined with extraordinary depth, complexity and longevity. Perfect with lamb, venison, slow-cooked beef, game birds or richly savoury Mediterranean cuisine. Decant if drinking young or cellar gracefully for 20+ years.
