Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan en Cinsault. 2015 Columella komt meer gepolijst, rijkelijker en fruitiger over dan voorgaandelijk (2013 en 2014). Hij vertoont op schitterende wijze de klasse van dit wijnjaar voor Zuid Afrika.
Eben Sadie
The 2015 Columella is in many ways the coming together of an array of elements and a strong expression of our quest to produce a wine that will be as true to the region as possible, rather than one that expresses personal preferences. This wine is a bit more inverted and austere and deeply earthed; and it speaks more of this place. The wine is “grounded” and it is only after a while in the glass that the perfume flavours with an underlying dark graphite edge start to take over the initial, very earthy flavours. The tannins of the wine are tightly coiled up and the wine honestly just needs time and patience. Columella 2015 has a very good overall equilibrium and good acidity. From the 2010 harvest onwards the Columella wines need more time in their youth, or else decantation for at least 2 hours if opened prior to 5 years of age.
IN DE PERS
97/100 Tim Atkin – South Africa Special Report 2017
Eight vineyard and five Rhône varieties contribute to this breathtaking cuvée. Bramble, liquorice, red and black fruits, incense, pepper and stony minerality are supported by sinewy tannins, stylish oak and incredible focus. Don’t be in a hurry to drink this wine. 2020-30.
James Pietersen (Juli 2017)
Like last year the Columella is a blend of mainly Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre with the remainder Cinsaut, Tinta Barocca and Carignan. On the day the wine was charming, Eben remarking that it was the most accessible that the 2015 was so far. Florals, some darker fruit followed to a palate brimming with confidence and composure. The power and deeper fruit of the 2015 vintage evident on both the nose and structured yet polished palate. A remarkable wine that will give earlier pleasure than 2013 and 2014, but it is a classic destined to be long lived and will evolve slowly over the next decades. This is a collectable.
Christina Rasmussen (Juli 2018)
A blend of old vineyards of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the remainder Cinsault, Tinta Barocca, and Carignan. Blackberry seeds, lead pencil, white pepper and even almond skin. It is lifted, bright, expressive, still so young, a little nervous and tight but proudly confident in itself and its Swartland backbone. There is a lovely smoked meat side here, almost like bone marrow and Iberica ham. This is moving in an exciting direction. Sadie Family WinesWinery of the Year - Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2015 SadieThe Swartland Independent Producers veranderen Zuid Afrika als wijnland. Hun pionier is één van de beste wijnmakers ter wereld (en een ervaren surfer) genaamd Eben Sadie. Hij wordt vereerd als National Treasure en gamechanger. Hij ontgint wonderlijke terroirs, herstelt verwaarloosde bushvines en leidt de avant-garde in doordachte wijnbouw en vinificatie. Zijn Columella en Palladius zijn de eerste Afrikaanse Grands Vins. Daarnaast biedt zijn iconische “Ouwingerdreeks” kleine loten eigenzinnige bewaarwijnen uit specifieke climats. Appreciëer deze boeiende en betekenisvolle wijnen zolang de voorraad strekt.
2017 Winemakers' Winemaker Award, Institute of Masters of Wine
Jane Masters MW, chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine - Eben’s determined search to produce outstanding wines has put Swartland and South Africa on the map. I am delighted that the Master of Wine Winemakers have rewarded his dedication and talent – it’s truly well deserved. | 
