Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….
Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024
South Africa - Reds
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.
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
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Impeccably balanced and gorgeously seductive on the nose, the 2019 Columella is a steadfast crowdpleaser with succulent red fruit tones that waft with elegance and fitness before flaunting bright red florals. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is stunningly impressive with nimble weightlessness across the mid-palate before showcasing power and finesse through layers of complexity. The wine somersaults to an epic finish that continues to linger in the mouth with persistence. Absolutely stunning!’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 96+/100 (Jun 2022)
‘Swartland sextet, mainly syrah, blended to reflect area. 2019 rebounds with joyous expression after drought-affected 2018 (4.5 stars, 94 pts): aromatic spice, nuts & dark-berry medley gently scented with violets. Rich & savoury, with freshening manicured tannins. Possibly their finest red to date, among SA’s best too. Year in small oak, 10% new, then another in foudre.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2022, 5* (98/100)
‘It's entirely appropriate that Columella should achieve a 100-point score in its 20th vintage, having completed two decades of trail-blazing brilliance. Based on Syrah with 55% Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca, it's a seamless Rhône-meetsthe- Douro cuvée with violet, thyme and lavender aromas, subtle oak and peppery whole bunch spices, cassis, blackberry and cranberry flavours, thrilling acidity, minerality and haunting palate length. A truly great wine at the peak of its considerable powers. 2023-35’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 100/100
‘The 20th bottling of this wine, it is an essential reference point in understanding the ongoing fine wine revolution in this country, the 2019 vintage more refined than ever. The aromatics are riveting with notes of red and black berries, fynbos, potpourri, pepper and other spice. The palate, meanwhile, is both vivid and already so harmonious. Full bodied but balanced with lovely fruit purity, a cracking line of acidity and powdery tannins. Plenty of detail, plenty of sappy refreshment value and an umami-like, super-dry finish.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 (Aug 2021)
‘Really exciting nose dominated by savoury Syrah but given ballast, palate depth and fruit by the other varieties. So much more winning and more evolved than its famous white stablemate Palladius 2019! I'm going to drink this sweet-and-salty marvel this very night. Such tension, depth and length. Rich initially but then drawn by a fine purse-string to its conclusion. A wine to lose yourself in.... Real vibrancy through and through.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Dec 2021)
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