Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 13 - 20 February 2023
Rhône Theme
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2023 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering.
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About this Item
Columella is named after the ancient Roman writer who produced perhaps the earliest good treatise on viticulture in his De re rustica. Starting in 2000, Eben's goal was to produce the finest expression of the Swartland and today Columella is South Africa's most coveted red wine.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Eight vineyards 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.' - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2017, 97/100
'Respected locally and abroad as one of SA's top reds. 2015 adds Tinta Barocca to 2014 (93 pts)'s Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsaut blend; despite the challenge of drought, still exhibits house's authenticity and lattice-like tannin. Unlike previous, slow to open but builds intensity, complexity. Year each in cask (8% new) and old foudre.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92 pts)
'This sports a core of dark plum and blackberry paste flavors, staying polished and refined in feel, relying more on acidity than tannins, with the structure fully enmeshed in the fruit. Black tea, tobacco and alder hints chime through the finish. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Tinta Barroca, Cinsault and Carignan. Best from 2019 through 2023.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Feb 2018)
'Complete and with a rich start and then lively and fresh. More layers here than is the South African norm. Feels as though it was built from the ground up.' - Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2017)