South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session Two
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Eben Sadie is South Africa’s most revered winemaker and he arguably kick-started the local fine wine revolution. Over two decades his pursuit for quality in the Swartland has been unparalleled in South Africa and he was voted Winemaker of the Year in 2017 by the International Master of Wine Institute. Eben’s wines were influenced by the Rhône and Spain, with traditional local varieties sourced from pockets of old bush vines and unique terroirs. Long-ageing Columella is often regarded as South Africa’s best red, while Palladius similarly offers an incredible Swartland expression and decades of longevity. The old vine single vineyard series, which was first released in the 2009 vintage, is now firmly the most sought-after release of the year. Mev Kirsten is South Africa’s rarest white wine, produced from a century old Stellenbosch vineyard, while the now legendary Skurfberg received 100 points from Tim Atkin in 2020.
The Piekenierskloof took its name from the piekeniers (foot soldiers) who were located at the top of the pass of the mountain to protect the lifestock in this part of the old Cape Colony from theft, hence this parcel of vines being named Soldaat (Soldier). This pure Grenache on granite soils is often said to have a nose ‘reminiscent of an old Rayas’. Forming part of Sadie’s Old Vine Series, only 350 cases were produced.
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Wine Cellar
Critics Ratings
Deeply satisfying, richly supple, earthy 13 from Piekernierskloof. Old bushvine grenache’s expressive fruit purity & smooth vinosity untrammelled by new oak or winemaking tricks. An absolute delight’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*
Distinctive, with a bright shiso leaf note leading the way for silky cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Long, lacy tannins carry the finish, where iron and incense accents pervade. The lovely, fine acidity stretches this out, with the shiso leaf detail echoing. Grenache. Drink now through 2023 – Wine Spectator 93/100 (2015