2023 Sadie Family Columella
Sadie Family
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- Free local delivery, with no minimum order, by our own team — usually Tuesday or Wednesday. Cottesloe, Claremont, Mosman Park, Peppermint Grove, Nedlands, Subiaco, Floreat, City Beach, East Fremantle, North Fremantle, Melville and Bicton — postcodes 6008, 6009, 6010, 6011, 6012, 6014, 6015, 6156, 6157, 6158 and 6159.
- Free click and collect from 12 Station Street, Cottesloe. Orders placed before 12pm are usually ready the same day.
- Australia-wide — $20 flat rate with Australia Post, or Express from $75.
Average Critic Score: 96.0/100 based on 4 critic reviews
Columella is the flagship red of Eben Sadie, the winemaker who did more than anyone to put the Swartland on the world map, and it is widely regarded as South Africa's benchmark Rhone-style blend. The 2023 Sadie Family Columella brings together Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca from sites across Paardeberg, Kasteelberg, Malmesbury and Piketberg, and Sadie himself calls 2023 one of his most satisfying vintages. The critics agreed: 98 points from Claire Nesbitt (James Suckling), 97 points from Monica Larner (Wine Advocate), 96 points from Neal Martin (Vinous) and 93 points from Wine Spectator.
Black cherries, fresh plums, sandalwood, peach pits, sage and cloves on the nose of this deliciously polished and complex red. It's medium- to full-bodied, intense yet full of finesse and elegance, with firm and very fine-grained tannins. Long, continuous and delicious, with a beautiful interplay of fruit and spice. I love this wine - Claire Nesbitt, James Suckling (98 pts)
Suggested drinking window: 2027 - 2036 (Wine Spectator).
Critic Reviews
98 Points - Claire Nesbitt, James Suckling
“Black cherries, fresh plums, sandalwood, peach pits, sage and cloves on the nose of this deliciously polished and complex red. It's medium- to full-bodied, intense yet full of finesse and elegance, with firm and very fine-grained tannins. Long, continuous and delicious, with a beautiful interplay of fruit and spice. I love this wine. Syrah, mourvedre, grenache, carignan, cinsault, tinta barocca and pinotage. Drinkable already but better after a couple of years.”
97 Points - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
“The Sadie Family 2023 Swartland Columella is fresh yet densely concentrated, offering layered dark fruit, savory spice and impressive volume across a beautifully fleshed-out mid-palate. Drawn from multiple Swartland sites across Paardeberg, Kasteelberg, Malmesbury and Piketberg, the wine blends Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barroca aged over 24 months into a seamless regional expression. The complex mix of schist, granite, limestone, alluvial clay and sandstone underscores Columella's identity as a true Swartland benchmark. Despite the challenges of cloudy weather, vintner Eben Sadie says 2023 is one of his most satisfying vintages.”
96 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous
“The 2023 Columella is the usual blend of seven varieties. It has quite an intense bouquet, with a mixture of red and black fruit, cigar box, potpourri and a light sea influence. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine-grain tannins, gentle grip, beautifully balanced, with a long and tender finish. Just wonderful transparency to this Columella that will give many years of drinking pleasure. Snapping at the heels of the best Sadie has made.”
93 Points - Wine Spectator
“This red pops with garrigue and star anise, while cherry and dried red plum fruit flavors the background, confidently coasting across a ghost tone of cooling sand. Though this version is structured by a bitter herbal pull, there's plenty of sweetness to the fruit beneath. Impressive. Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsaut and Tinta Barocca. Best from 2027 through 2036. 100 cases imported.”
Wine Details & Information
Vintage: 2023
Varietal / Style:Shiraz
Producer:Sadie Family
Country:South Africa
Region: Swartland
Bottle size (ml): 750ml