Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'Don’t worry about tasting reds before whites, our whites always destroy the reds. White vines much older than reds.’ RS about 2.8 g/l. Much less intense colour than the 2005. Mid crimson. Lively freshness on the nose. Real tension and great juiciness. Something much more mineral than the 2005. Really appetising. Sinews and very long and juicy. Beauty and personality.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Apr 2015)

'Seamless, confident 2012 blend syrah (76%), mourvèdre, splash grenache flaunts fragrantly spicy garrigue scrub & dark fruit. Different soil types contribute to blend: schist for fresh acidity, granite spiciness, & iron clay structure, to remarkably supple wine. Minimal new oak.' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*

'This is well-built, with a bolt of graphite holding fairly weighty blackberry, plum and black currant paste flavors together. Lots of singed juniper and charcoal accents rumble in the background, while a nice brambly feel pervades the finish. Displays range and energy, but needs cellaring to meld fully. Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2017 through 2025. 750 cases made.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Feb 2015)

'The 2012 Columella is a blend of 76% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre and 7% Grenache from the Swartland and Paardeberg area, hand-sorted and fermented in 2,000-liter open wooden fermenters and raised in barriques (10% new) for 12 months then one year in oval foudres. It has a very well-defined bouquet that repays time in the glass: wild strawberry and bilberry, cloves and white pepper, distant sea spray scents. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins, crisp acidity, superb backbone and real “authority” on the finish. One of those wines that will instantly change anyone who does not take South African wine seriously.' – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Oct 2014)